Mon Sep 30 22:57:18 UTC 2024: ## ED Files Money Laundering Case Against Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah in Land Scam

**Bengaluru:** 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 scam. The ED took cognizance of the case filed by the Lokayukta in Mysore on September 27th, 2023, against CM Siddaramaiah, his wife Parvati, brother-in-law Mallikarjuna Swami, and Devraj, the individual who sold the land.

The ED’s Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) cites sections of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) and indicates a potential for the agency to issue summons to the accused and seize their assets.

The controversy stems from allegations that the MUDA acquired land gifted to Parvati by her brother and in return, allotted her 14 plots worth crores of rupees. The BJP, the opposition party in Karnataka, has accused the government of large-scale corruption and illegalities.

Following these allegations, Karnataka Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot granted permission for a probe into the matter. This decision was upheld by the Karnataka High Court, and a special court in Bengaluru subsequently ordered the Lokayukta police to investigate. Based on this, the Lokayukta police filed a case against CM Siddaramaiah, his wife, brother-in-law, and the land seller, which has now led to the ED’s action.

Read More