Mon Sep 30 14:26:21 UTC 2024: ## ED Files Money Laundering Case Against Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah in MUDA Land Allotment Scam
**New Delhi, September 30, 2024:** The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Monday filed a money laundering case against Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in connection with the Mysore Urban Development Authority (MUDA) land allotment scam. The ED has been given powers to summon and question individuals, as well as seize assets, during its investigation.
This development follows the filing of an FIR against Siddaramaiah and others by the state Lokayukta police on September 27th, based on orders from a special court in Bengaluru. The FIR names Siddaramaiah, his wife BM Parvathi, brother-in-law Mallikarjuna Swami, and another individual named Devaraj. It alleges that Swami purchased land from Devaraj and gifted it to Parvathi, raising suspicions of corruption.
The ED’s action comes after a Bengaluru special court on September 25th ordered an investigation into Siddaramaiah’s alleged involvement in the MUDA scam. Social activist TJ Abraham, along with Snehamayi Krishna and Prateep Kumar, had filed a complaint with the Governor alleging that the CM had misused his power to benefit his family in the land allotments. Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot had ordered a probe into the matter on August 16th, an order upheld by the special court.
The ED’s investigation is expected to delve into the financial transactions related to the land allotments and determine if any money laundering activities took place. The case has further escalated the political pressure on Siddaramaiah, who is already facing accusations of corruption and nepotism.