BENGALURU: Union Minister H D Kumaraswamy has accused Chief Minister Siddaramaiah of systematic attempts to destroy evidence and cover up the MUDA scam. He insisted that the MUDA commissioner, who took back the plots from CM’s wife, should be arrested immediately for violating court orders.
Speaking to the media before participating in Gandhi Jayanti celebrations at the JD(S) party office, he alleged that CM Siddaramaiah, Urban Development Minister Byrathi Suresh, Lokayukta officials and MUDA officials are conspiring to cover up the MUDA scam.
He expressed doubts regarding the return of 14 plots by CM Siddaramaiah’s wife, stating that this action is a clear violation of court orders and an insult to the judiciary. He emphasiSed that the MUDA commissioner should be arrested for this.
“By returning the plots, CM Siddaramaiah is attempting to destroy evidence, misusing his position as Chief Minister to manipulate documents and mislead officials,” he alleged.
#WATCH | Delhi | Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy says, “All the Lokayukta officers come under his (Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah) administration. He knows how to misuse the office to save his illegal activities…The court has given the verdict on all misdeeds he and his family have… pic.twitter.com/OkT9up4oYc
— ANI (@ANI) October 1, 2024
“Following the initiation of an ED investigation into the MUDA scam and the registration of an FIR, significant developments occurred. On Tuesday, Siddaramaiah’s wife, Parvathi, stated her intention to return the plots to the MUDA. After her declaration, all the plots have been reverted to MUDA’s control, and the MUDA commissioner confirmed that the sale deeds for the fourteen plots have been canceled”, Kumaraswamy alleged and said that these rapid developments were suspicious.
He pointed out that there are High Court orders and judicial orders in place, yet the MUDA commissioner decided to accept the return of the plots. He stated that the commissioner exceeded his authority, and therefore, should be arrested immediately.Kumaraswamy accused the Chief Minister of misusing Lokayukta officials and asserted that Siddaramaiah’s interference in the investigation is evident.
He questioned the legitimacy of the properties involved, claiming that fake documents were created to mislead people, stating that the court has referred to the properties as their own. He noted that these plots are valued at Rs 62 crore. He questioned how and when the MUDA commissioner accepted the request to return the plots, stating that the CM has abused his power.
Earlier, the ED registered an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) in an alleged money laundering case against the Chief Minister, linked to the MUDA. After the ED booked the CM for money laundering in a case linked to the alleged MUDA land allotment scam, his wife wrote to the MUDA Commissioner, offering to surrender the 14 plots that were allotted to her by the authority.
The Mysuru Lokayukta officially initiated an inquiry and investigation into the case following a September 27 court order to file an FIR. The Lokayukta was directed to investigate allegations of illegalities in the allotment of 14 sites worth Rs 56 crore to Siddaramaiah’s wife, Parvathi, by MUDA.
It is alleged that MUDA illegally allotted 14 sites to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s wife in the prime location of Mysuru city. (ANI)