In a significant development, Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) M. Chandra Sekhar, head of the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing illegal mining in Karnataka, has accused former Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy and his son, Nikhil Kumaraswamy, of making alleged threats to obstruct an ongoing investigation. The accusations have sparked controversy as the SIT is nearing the final stages of its probe into illegal mining activities, which implicate Kumaraswamy during his tenure as the chief minister of Karnataka.
ADGP M. Chandra Sekhar filed a formal complaint on Friday, alleging that H.D. Kumaraswamy and his son attempted to disrupt the legal proceedings by issuing threats aimed at halting the investigation. The probe is centered on accusations that Kumaraswamy illegally approved 550 acres of mining land in Bellary district to Sri Sai Venkateswara Minerals during his time as chief minister.
ADGP Accuses Kumaraswamy of Interfering with the Probe
The complaint filed by ADGP M. Chandra Sekhar claims that both Kumaraswamy and his son, Nikhil Kumaraswamy, made direct threats to derail the ongoing investigation into illegal mining. Sekhar stated that the threats were intended to intimidate and obstruct the prosecution process as the SIT was preparing to charge Kumaraswamy.
According to Sekhar, the SIT had gathered substantial evidence against Kumaraswamy regarding the illegal leasing of mining land. In November 2023, the SIT submitted a request to the Governor of Karnataka for permission to prosecute Kumaraswamy. As the investigation reached a critical point, the ADGP alleged that Kumaraswamy’s actions, including a recent press conference on September 28, were part of a coordinated effort to disrupt the investigation.
Illegal Mining Allegations Against Kumaraswamy
The illegal mining case that implicates H.D. Kumaraswamy dates back to his tenure as the chief minister of Karnataka. The SIT alleges that Kumaraswamy approved a mining lease for 550 acres of land to Sri Sai Venkateswara Minerals in Bellary, despite concerns of irregularities in the approval process. The investigation is part of a broader probe into illegal mining activities in the region, which have been the subject of multiple inquiries and legal challenges.
ADGP M. Chandra Sekhar’s complaint further highlights that Kumaraswamy, who is currently out on bail, has taken steps to impede the investigation. Sekhar alleged that the former chief minister’s public statements and private threats were aimed at influencing the legal process and halting the prosecution.
Allegations of Verbal and Family Threats
In his complaint, ADGP Sekhar provided details about the nature of the alleged threats. He accused Kumaraswamy of verbally threatening him during a press conference and claimed that Kumaraswamy’s relatives were involved in pressuring officials to disrupt the investigation. Sekhar mentioned that the threats included warnings of transferring him from his position to hinder the SIT’s work.
The ADGP also cited specific instances of Kumaraswamy’s attempts to influence the course of the investigation, including alleged plans to deport or remove key officials involved in the case. These actions, Sekhar argued, were part of a deliberate strategy to prevent the prosecution from moving forward.
Legal and Political Implications
The accusations against H.D. Kumaraswamy have significant legal and political implications, particularly as the SIT moves closer to prosecuting the former chief minister. The allegations of illegal mining have long been a contentious issue in Karnataka, with multiple high-profile figures being investigated for their involvement in unlawful mining activities.
Kumaraswamy, a prominent figure in Karnataka politics and a member of the influential Janata Dal (Secular) party, has consistently denied any wrongdoing. He has also accused the investigation of being politically motivated. However, ADGP Sekhar’s complaint brings fresh attention to the case and raises questions about potential interference in the legal process.
The Southern Railway General Manager has confirmed that the matter will be investigated thoroughly, and if Kumaraswamy is found guilty of threatening or obstructing the investigation, he could face additional charges under the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
Investigation Continues Despite Alleged Threats
Despite the alleged threats, ADGP M. Chandra Sekhar has reiterated the SIT’s commitment to completing the investigation and pursuing legal action based on the evidence collected. The SIT remains focused on ensuring that the illegal mining case is prosecuted fairly and transparently, regardless of any attempts to derail the process.
The police complaint has been lodged at the Sanjay Nagar police station in Bengaluru, and further investigations are expected to follow. It remains to be seen how the case will unfold, but the allegations against Kumaraswamy have already triggered widespread interest and debate in political circles.
As the investigation continues, all eyes will be on the outcome of the SIT’s probe and whether the allegations of interference will have any bearing on the final prosecution of H.D. Kumaraswamy.
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