'No evidence': Lokayukta gives Siddaramaiah clean chit in MUDA scam
What's the story
The anti-corruption watchdog Lokayukta has found no evidence against Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his wife BM Parvathi in the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) land scam case.
The investigation focused on alleged irregularities in the allotment of 14 housing sites to Parvathi by MUDA in 2021.
The case originated from these sites being allocated as compensation after a 3.16-acre land parcel gifted to Parvathi in 2010 was acquired by MUDA in 2014.
Probe details
Investigation initiated following court directive
The Lokayukta's investigation began in September 2024, on the direction of a special court for elected representatives in Bengaluru.
The court had directed the probe after Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot approved an investigation against Siddaramaiah and others on a petition by social activist Snehamayi Krishna.
The Karnataka High Court also upheld the governor's decision, paving the way for a detailed probe of over 100 people including bureaucrats, politicians, and MUDA officials.
Investigation outcome
Lokayukta finds no evidence against Siddaramaiah
Despite the wide-ranging investigation, which involved video-recorded statements and a detailed report of over 3,000 pages, no evidence was found to support the charges against Siddaramaiah and his wife.
"The above allegations against accused-1 to accused-4 in the case have not been proven due to lack of evidence," a letter from the Lokayukta police to Krishna said.
However, compensatory land allotments by MUDA between 2016 and 2024 will remain under scrutiny with a supplementary report likely to be submitted to court.
Continued examination
Ongoing scrutiny and parallel investigation
Krishna has been given one week to respond, following which the Lokayukta will submit its final findings.
While no action is recommended against Siddaramaiah and his wife, the controversy over the compensatory plots given to Parvathi refuses to die down.
Opposition parties claim these plots are much more valuable than her land, with estimates putting the scam value between ₹3,000 crore and ₹4,000 crore.
Apart from the Lokayukta's probe, the Enforcement Directorate is also investigating the matter.