Setback For CM Siddaramaiah As Karnataka Court Allows Further Probe Into MUDA Case

In a significant development, a special court in Karnataka on Tuesday (15 April) granted the Lokayukta police permission to continue investigating the Mysore Urban Development Authority (MUDA) case involving Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his family, news agency PTI reported.

The order was passed by Special Judge Santosh Gajanan Bhat, following a request from the Lokayukta police to pursue further investigation.

The court, however, deferred its decision on a petition filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), which had objected to the earlier 'B' Report submitted by the Lokayukta police that had exonerated Siddaramaiah.

The initial 'B' Report, filed by Lokayukta officials, had given a clean chit to the Chief Minister, his wife Parvathi, and others of wrongdoing, citing lack of evidence.

However, objections were raised by the ED and complainant Snehamaayi Krishna, an activist, who called for a more thorough probe.

The court highlighted the importance of a thorough investigation, stating that an investigation should be conducted considering all the people involved and a comprehensive report should be filed.

Judge Bhat said that a decision on accepting or rejecting the earlier 'B' Report will only be taken once the Lokayukta submits a complete and updated investigation report.

The case revolves around allegations that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s wife, Parvathi, received inflated compensation for land in Mysuru.

The land, originally acquired and later de-notified, was reportedly bought by her brother, Mallikarjuna Swamy, who then 'gifted' it to her.

The land was allegedly developed by Muda, despite being privately owned.

Parvathi reportedly later sought compensation from Muda, which allegedly awarded her 14 developed plots under a 50:50 scheme—significantly more valuable than the original three-acre land parcel.

Earlier this year, the Enforcement Directorate announced that it had attached over 140 immovable properties valued at approximately Rs 300 crore in connection with a money laundering case linked to MUDA.

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