Big relief for Siddaramaiah, HC refuses CBI probe in MUDA case

In a big relief to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, the Karnataka High Court on Friday refused a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) into the land scam case linked to the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA).Single-judge Justice M Nagaprasanna passed the order on a petition filed by activist Snehmayi Krishna, the original complainant in the MUDA case, seeking transfer of the Lokayukta probe to the CBI.
The case concerns allegations of corruption in the grant of land by the Mysore Urban Development Authority (MUDA) to Siddaramaiah's wife, Parvathi.As per the complaint, Siddaramaiah’s wife Parvathi was ‘gifted’ a land plot measuring a little over three acres by her brother Mallikarjuna Swamy. Such land was initially acquired, then de-notified, and bought by Swamy. It was developed by MUDA even though private individuals owned it. Swamy claimed that he bought the land in 2004 and gifted it to his sister. But since the land was illegally developed by MUDA, Parvathi sought compensation. She allegedly received highly inflated compensation, including 14 developed alternate plots of land that were much higher in value than the original three acres, under a 50:50 scheme.
As per Bat & Bench report, Siddaramaiah challenged this move by approaching the High Court, where he argued that the MUDA's decision to compensate his wife were taken by it independently, without his interference or influence.
However, Justice M Nagaprasanna dismissed his plea on September 24, 2024.Subsequently, the Karnataka Lokayukta filed an FIR against Siddaramaiah and three others on charges of corruption, cheating and forgery. Later, Snehamayi Krishna filed the present petition for transfer of probe to CBI.

(State Correspondent)