MUDA | Has Lokayukta given clean chit to Siddaramaiah, wife?
Per local media, Lokayukta’s probe indicated that while officials violated norms, CM's role was not established; report to be submitted to High Court on Jan 27
In what could be a major relief for Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, the Lokayukta has reportedly given him a clean chit in the controversial Mysore Urban Development Authority (MUDA) land allotment case. According to local media reports, the Lokayukta investigation found no evidence of involvement by Siddaramaiah or his wife, Parvathi, in the case.
The Lokayukta’s report apparently indicates that while officials violated regulations during land denotification and conversion processes, no role of Siddaramaiah was established in the scandal. Reports also highlight that MUDA commissioners and revenue officials were found to have blatantly disregarded the rules.
The Lokayukta has mentioned seeking legal advice on further actions against the erring officials.
The Federal does not have access to the Lokayukta report, and media reports on its findings are not verified.
The investigation report into the MUDA scandal, led by Lokayukta SP TJ Udesh, has been finalised and will be submitted to the court on Monday (January 27). The report thoroughly examined all stages of the land conversion process for 3.16 acres under Survey No. 464, which resulted in the acquisition of 14 sites by MUDA.
Also read: MUDA case: ED attaches properties worth Rs 300 crore
No misconduct without CM’s influence: Snehamayi Krishna
Responding to the reports of Siddaramaiah being given a clean chit, Snehamayi Krishna, the primary complainant in the MUDA scandal, reportedly expressed her scepticism. Officials could not have committed such violations without the influence of the Chief Minister, she claimed.
Krishna added that although the clean chit was expected, it would not deter her fight.
Siddaramaiah’s reaction
When questioned about the clean chit by the Lokayukta in the MUDA scandal, Siddaramaiah is said to have responded that he was unaware of the matter.
Meanwhile, the High Court of Karnataka is set to announce its verdict on petitions requesting a CBI investigation into the case on January 27 (Monday). Lokayukta officials are expected to submit their investigation report to the court earlier that day.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) investigation into the matter is also underway.
(This article was originally published in The Federal Karnataka)