HC directs Lokayukta to provide probe details, issues notice to CM Siddaramaiah and others in MUDA case

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The Karnataka High Court on Tuesday directed the Karnataka Lokayukta to provide detailed information regarding its ongoing investigation into the Mysore Urban Development Authority (MUDA) land allotment case involving Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.

The court also issued notices to Siddaramaiah, other accused individuals, and both the Union and state governments, requesting their responses. The next hearing is scheduled for November 26.

Justice M. Nagaprasanna issued this order while hearing a petition that sought a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry into the alleged abuse of power in the MUDA site allotments.

The petition was filed by activist Snehamayi Krishna, who, along with two other individuals, has accused Siddaramaiah of corruption. Krishna has requested that the investigation be transferred from the Lokayukta to the CBI, citing concerns over a potential conflict of interest due to the Lokayukta’s ties with the state government.

Senior advocate K.G. Raghavan, representing Krishna, argued that the Lokayukta investigation might fail to restore public confidence, given the possible bias in the process.

The MUDA case first gained attention in September when Justice Nagaprasanna dismissed Siddaramaiah’s plea challenging the corruption charges, which were approved by the governor. Shortly after, the Lokayukta filed an FIR naming Siddaramaiah, his wife BM Parvathi, his brother-in-law Mallikarjuna Swamy, and another individual, Devaraju. The allegations relate to the allocation of 14 prime plots in Mysuru, valued at around ₹56 crore, to Parvathi, allegedly bypassing standard procedures.

Following the court’s order, the Lokayukta initiated its investigation on September 27. On the eve of the court hearing, Siddaramaiah confirmed he would appear before the Mysuru Lokayukta on November 6.

In parallel, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has intensified its investigation, conducting searches across multiple locations in Mangaluru, Bengaluru, Mandya, and Mysuru. The ED has also summoned six MUDA officials for questioning as part of the ongoing probe.

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