Union Minister and former Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy on Wednesday accused the state government of protecting Chief Minister Siddaramaiah by misusing officers in the MUDA scam case. He also described the surrender of 14 sites by Siddaramaiah’s wife as a tactic to divert attention.
“The surrender of 14 sites by the family of Siddaramaiah is just a tactic. The officers’ involvement in saving the family of Siddaramaiah is very clear. The way the government is acting in the MUDA case proves that they are trying to safeguard Siddaramaiah through the misuse of officers,” he stated.
In response to Siddaramaiah’s comment suggesting that Kumaraswamy should resign since he is out on bail, Kumaraswamy clarified that he has only taken bail and is not interfering in the investigation process. “I have taken bail as per the advice of my advocates. The difference between me and Siddaramaiah is that I have taken only bail and am not interfering in the investigation process. That’s the difference between me and him,” he said.
MUST READ: Rahul Gandhi Comments On Sonam Wangchuk’s Detention, Says, ‘Your Arrogance Will Be Broken’
Reportedly, Kumaraswamy has been accused of alleged criminal conspiracy and cheating in the Sri Sai Venkateshwara Minerals (SSVM) case. Earlier, the Enforcement Directorate registered an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) in an alleged money laundering case against Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, linked to the MUDA.
After the ED booked the Karnataka CM for money laundering in a case tied to the alleged MUDA land allotment scam, his wife wrote to the MUDA Commissioner, offering to surrender the 14 plots that were allotted to her by the authority.
The Mysuru Lokayukta officially initiated an inquiry and investigation into the case following a September 27 court order to file an FIR. The Lokayukta was directed to investigate allegations of illegalities in the allotment of 14 sites worth Rs 56 crore to Siddaramaiah’s wife, Parvathi, by MUDA. It is alleged that MUDA illegally allotted these 14 sites to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s wife in a prime location in Mysuru city.
(WITH INPUTS FROM ANI)
ALSO READ: NGT Calls For Accountability In Southern Ridge Encroachment Case