Wed Sep 25 13:54:54 UTC 2024: ## Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah Ordered to Face Lokayukta Probe in MUDA Case

**Bengaluru, September 25, 2024:** A Special Court in Bengaluru has ordered a Lokayukta police investigation against Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in a land allotment case involving the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA). The order came after the High Court upheld the Governor’s sanction to investigate allegations of irregularities in the allotment of 14 sites to the CM’s wife, B.M. Parvathi, by MUDA.

The Special Court, designated for criminal cases related to former and elected MPs/MLAs, issued the order based on a complaint filed by RTI activist Snehamayi Krishna. The court directed the Lokayukta police in Mysuru to initiate the investigation under section 156 (3) of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) and submit a report by December 24.

Reacting to the order, Siddaramaiah reiterated his willingness to face the investigation, stating he is not afraid of a probe. “I am ready for a legal fight,” he told reporters. Home Minister G Parameshwara affirmed the Lokayukta police’s independence, stating they will conduct the investigation impartially.

The opposition BJP, however, demanded Siddaramaiah’s resignation and called for the investigation to be handed over to the CBI for a “free and impartial probe.” BJP state president B.Y. Vijayendra pointed out the CM’s previous stance as Leader of Opposition, where he had demanded the then CM B.S. Yediyurappa’s resignation during a similar situation.

Both the BJP and JD(S) attempted to lay siege to the CM’s residence in protest, but were stopped by the police. Complainant Snehamayi Krishna expressed satisfaction with the court’s order and announced he would appeal to the High Court to transfer the case to the CBI.

The investigation is expected to shed light on the allegations of irregularities in the MUDA site allotments and will likely be a significant development in Karnataka politics.

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