Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his family members have been given a clean chit by the Karnataka Lokayukta in connection with the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) land scam case.
CM Siddaramaiah was named as 'Accused No. 1', his wife B.M. Parvathi as 'Accused No. 2', and his brother-in-law Mallikarjunaswamy as 'Accused No. 3'.
A landowner, J. Devaraju, was named as 'Accused No. 4'.
It was alleged that CM Siddaramaiah fraudulently secured the allotment of 14 sites by MUDA in his wife’s name in exchange for the acquisition of 3.16 acres of land.
The Karnataka Lokayukta, which investigated the matter, has issued a clean chit to CM Siddaramaiah and the other accused.
This was conveyed in a notice to the petitioner, Snehamayi Krishna, on Wednesday.
The Lokayukta has instructed Snehamayi Krishna to approach the magistrate within a week of receiving the notice if he wishes to oppose the findings.
Superintendent of Police T.J. Udesh stated in the notice that the investigation concluded the case was of a civil nature and not fit for criminal investigation.
The charges were found to be either based on a misconception or a misunderstanding of the law, and no action could be initiated.
The notice further specified that no evidence was found against CM Siddaramaiah and the other accused as the fourth point.
The notice also stated that the charges against Accused Nos. 1 to 4 in the MUDA case were unproven due to a lack of evidence. The final report is in the process of being submitted to the court.
However, the alleged scam regarding the allotment of sites under the 50:50 ratio by MUDA will be further investigated, and a final report will be submitted under Section 173(8) of the CrPC.
Reacting to the development, Snehamayi Krishna said: “The entire nation has been eagerly awaiting this report, and now the Lokayukta officials, who are preparing to submit it to the honorable court, have issued a notice to me!”
“It seems there is a lack of evidence to support my allegations. Only officials who have compromised their conscience can produce such a report! This case is a glaring example of how investigating officers, under 'pressure', behave as if they are unaware of the evidence supporting the allegations,” Snehamayi Krishna alleged.
The MUDA scam has created a political storm in the state, with opposition parties vehemently demanding CM Siddaramaiah’s resignation.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is also probing the matter.
Meanwhile, the Karnataka High Court recently quashed a petition seeking an investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
‘Pahalgam incident deeply disturbing & tragic’: Former Pakistan PM Imran Khan
Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday termed the Pahalgam terror attack as disturbing & tragic and also condoled the victims and their families.
Congress finally deletes 'Gayab' post targeting PM Modi after outrage
Under fire from the BJP over its social media post targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress finally, on Tuesday, took down the controversial post.
Guterres calls EAM Jaishankar, Pak PM Sharif; stresses pursuing justice in Pahalgam terror attack
Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stressed the importance of pursuing justice in the Pahalgam terrorist attack while speaking with External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar and Pakistan’s Prime Minister Muhammad Shebaz Sharif, his Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said on Tuesday.
Congress organises ‘Save Constitution’ rallies across NE states
The opposition Congress has been organising ‘Samvidhan Bachao’ (Save Constitution) campaign in the northeastern states. Claiming that the Constitution is in danger under the BJP-led Central government, the opposition Congress held a massive rally in Agartala on Tuesday.
RSS chief Bhagwat meets PM Modi after security huddle: Signs of a hard-hitting response in the works
In a significant political development, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat met Prime Minister Narendra Modi at his official residence at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg on Tuesday evening.
What PM Modi's free hand to armed forces against terror means for cross-border action?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s unambiguous message during a high-level security meeting - ‘India is determined to deliver a crushing blow to terrorism’ - marks more than just a strong statement of resolve.
Justice BR Gavai appointed as next Chief Justice of India
Justice Gavai was elevated as a Judge of the Supreme Court on May 29, 2019. Appointed as Additional Judge of the Bombay High Court in November 2003, he became a permanent Judge in November 2005.
Three more Bangladeshi nationals held in Tripura
The Tripura Frontier of the Border Security Force (BSF) on Tuesday apprehended three Bangladeshi nationals, including a woman, for illegally entering India, officials said.