Money laundering case filed against Siddaramaiah in land scam probe

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is facing a money laundering case filed by the Enforcement Directorate, linked to the alleged Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) land scam. The investigation follows a First Information Report (FIR) registered by the Lokayukta police on September 27, which names Siddaramaiah, his wife BM Parvathi, brother-in-law Mallikarjuna Swamy, and Devaraju, among others. Devaraju sold land to Swamy, who later gifted it to Parvathi.

The FIR was filed under the orders of a special court, after the Karnataka High Court upheld Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot's clearance for an investigation against the Chief Minister. The MUDA case involves allegations of irregularities in the allotment of 14 sites to Parvathi by the authority. It is alleged that the compensatory sites allotted to Parvathi, located in a prime area of Mysuru, are significantly more valuable than the land acquired from her by MUDA.

Siddaramaiah has denied any wrongdoing, claiming the allegations are politically motivated.

Context and Political Implications

Siddaramaiah is the latest Opposition Chief Minister to be accused of corruption. Central agencies have previously named and arrested Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren and former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in separate cases. Both leaders secured bail after several months in custody, with Kejriwal spending nearly six months in Tihar Jail and Soren five months before being granted bail.

Conclusion

The investigation into Siddaramaiah and his family marks another significant development in ongoing political and legal battles involving prominent Opposition leaders. As the case unfolds, it is likely to have substantial implications for Karnataka's political landscape.