Wed Sep 25 10:55:45 UTC 2024: ## Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah Ordered to Face Corruption Probe in Land Scam
**Mysuru, Karnataka:** A special court in Karnataka on Wednesday ordered the Lokayukta, the state-level corruption ombudsman, to investigate Chief Minister Siddaramaiah over alleged irregularities in the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) land scam case. The order came just a day after the Karnataka High Court dismissed Siddaramaiah’s plea challenging the Governor’s approval for the investigation.
The court directed the Lokayukta to submit a report within three months and also ordered the filing of an FIR in the case.
The allegations stem from a complaint filed by three activists against Siddaramaiah, claiming that his wife, BM Parvathi, received preferential treatment in the allotment of compensatory sites in Mysuru. The activists alleged that Parvathi received plots in a high-value location in exchange for land acquired by MUDA, resulting in an alleged gain of approximately Rs 56 crore for the family.
The Governor’s prosecution sanction was granted in July, leading Siddaramaiah to challenge the legality of the investigation, arguing it violated constitutional principles and was not supported by the Council of Ministers’ advice. However, the High Court rejected his plea, stating it was difficult to believe that Siddaramaiah was not involved in the transaction.
Following the court’s order, the BJP has demanded Siddaramaiah’s resignation, while the Congress has termed it a conspiracy. The investigation is expected to shed light on the allegations of corruption and determine if Siddaramaiah was involved in the alleged irregularities.
First Piper 