In a major development, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has filed a money laundering case against Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in connection with the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) site allotment scandal. The Siddaramaiah booked by ED in money laundering case comes shortly after the state’s Lokayukta police registered an FIR against the senior Congress leader and several others involved in the controversial land dealings.
The case revolves around allegations of irregularities in the allotment of MUDA sites to Siddaramaiah’s wife, B.M. Parvathi, and other family members. This has sparked significant political and legal implications, as the investigation unfolds under intense public scrutiny.
ED Registers Case Following Lokayukta FIR
The Siddaramaiah booked by ED in money laundering case follows the FIR registered by the Lokayukta police on September 27, 2024, as directed by a special court in Bengaluru. The FIR names Siddaramaiah, his wife B.M. Parvathi, his brother-in-law Mallikarjuna Swamy, and another individual, Devaraju, involved in the land transactions under investigation.
The case primarily concerns the allotment of prime land by the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) to Parvathi under controversial circumstances. The Lokayukta police have been tasked with probing the legality of the land deals, which allegedly benefited Siddaramaiah’s family by allotting high-value compensatory sites in Mysuru.
MUDA Land Allotment Scandal
The Siddaramaiah booked by ED in money laundering case stems from allegations that the MUDA allotted plots to Siddaramaiah’s wife in an upscale area of Mysuru, in exchange for land that Parvathi owned elsewhere. The MUDA is accused of granting compensatory land under a 50:50 ratio scheme, whereby Parvathi received 50% of developed land in return for 3.16 acres of undeveloped land that was acquired by MUDA for the creation of residential layouts.
Critics argue that the compensatory land allotted to Parvathi was located in a much more valuable part of the city than her original plot, raising concerns about preferential treatment and financial improprieties. These allegations have now led to the involvement of the ED, which is investigating potential money laundering linked to the transactions.
ED’s Role and Possible Legal Action
With Siddaramaiah booked by ED in money laundering case, the Enforcement Directorate is expected to pursue charges under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). According to sources, the ED is closely studying the FIR filed by the Lokayukta police and is likely to summon Siddaramaiah and other accused individuals for questioning.
Under PMLA regulations, the ED has the authority to attach assets and property linked to the accused if deemed necessary during the investigation. This could lead to significant legal complications for Siddaramaiah and his family, as the investigation intensifies.
Political Response and Siddaramaiah’s Defense
Reacting to the Siddaramaiah booked by ED in money laundering case, the Chief Minister has strongly denied any wrongdoing and labeled the investigation as a politically motivated attack by his opponents. At 76 years old, Siddaramaiah continues to hold a strong political presence in Karnataka, and he claims that the opposition is “scared” of his influence.
“This is a political case against me, the first of its kind, aimed at targeting me ahead of key political events,” Siddaramaiah stated, adding that he will fight the charges legally and will not step down from his position as Chief Minister. He has reiterated his stance that the land allotment was done in accordance with legal procedures and that no illegalities were committed.
Court Orders and Investigation
The case gained traction after a special court in Bengaluru upheld an order by Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot to sanction an investigation into Siddaramaiah. This paved the way for the Lokayukta police to file the FIR and for the ED to begin its probe into potential financial misconduct.
The court’s decision followed a complaint filed by Adarsh R. Iyer, Co-President of the Janaadhikaara Sangharsha Parishath (JSP), accusing Siddaramaiah of benefiting from illegal land allotments under the MUDA scheme. According to the complaint, the land deals amounted to extortion and financial fraud, benefitting the Chief Minister and his family at the expense of public resources.
Conclusion
The Siddaramaiah booked by ED in money laundering case marks a significant escalation in the ongoing investigation into the Mysuru Urban Development Authority site allotment scandal. With the ED now involved and the Lokayukta police conducting a parallel probe, the case is expected to draw further attention in the coming weeks.
For Siddaramaiah, this represents a serious legal and political challenge, as he fights to clear his name amid growing allegations of financial misconduct. As the investigation proceeds, both the legal and political ramifications of the case could have far-reaching consequences for the Chief Minister and the broader political landscape in Karnataka.
Stay connected to know more on arcnews.online for global news like Siddaramaiah Booked By ED In Money Laundering Case. For videos updates visit our YouTube. Do subscribe to Arcnews to get latest updates directly in your mail box.
Have A Great Day.