In a major development, the Karnataka Lokayukta probing the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) land scam matter has served notice to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to appear on November 6 for questioning in connection with the alleged irregularities.
CM Siddaramaiah, who has been named as first accused in the land scam case, has been asked to be present at the Mysuru Lokayukta office on November 6 (Wednesday), sources confirmed on Monday.
The Mysuru Lokayukta had earlier grilled CM Siddaramaiah’s wife Parvathy, the second accused in the scam, for hours.
The Lokayukta sleuths had also probed third accused - CM Siddaramaiah’s brother-in-law Mallikarjunaswamy, and the fourth accused - land owner J. Devaraju.
The development is seen as a setback for CM Siddaramaiah who is busy campaigning for the upcoming bypolls. Currently, he is camping in Shiggaon constituency.
The petitioner in the case, Snehamayi Krishna, had urged the Lokayukta to arrest CM Siddaramaiah and conduct a probe.
Snehamayi Krishna had filed a petition in the Karnataka High Court demanding an investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The petition is yet to be taken up by the court.
Based on the multiple complaints, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has taken up the investigation of the MUDA scam and conducted multiple raids.
The ED had also conducted raids at the MUDA office and recovered 'crucial documents'.
Searches were also conducted by the ED at the premises of former commissioners attached to MUDA. Besides, residences of close associates of CM Siddaramaiah were also raided by the ED.
BJP Rajya Sabha member from Karnataka Lahar Singh Siroya had recently demanded the resignation of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in the interest of the people of the state, alleging that the scam is deeper.
Karnataka unit BJP president B.Y. Vijayendra and Leader of the Opposition R. Ashoka had stated that if CM Siddaramaiah is left with any shame, he should resign.
The ED is also expected to conduct raids on the residences and offices of CM Siddaramaiah at any point of time in Bengaluru and Mysuru.
The development is also expected to bring the debate on the MUDA scam to the forefront in the state again.
‘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.