Fri Feb 07 05:55:11 UTC 2025: ## Karnataka High Court Rejects CBI Probe into Land Scam Linked to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah

**Bengaluru, India** – The Karnataka High Court today dismissed a petition seeking a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into a land scam involving Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA). The petition, filed by activist Snehmayi Krishna, argued that the Lokayukta police, currently investigating the case, could not conduct a fair and impartial probe given the Chief Minister’s involvement.

The allegations center on a land parcel awarded to Siddaramaiah’s wife, BM Parvathi, as compensation for another piece of land she owned. Activists allege the compensation awarded was significantly more valuable than the original land, resulting in a loss of crores to the state. They also claim top MUDA officials were complicit in the alleged scam.

The court, however, rejected the petition, stating that there was no evidence suggesting the Lokayukta investigation was *mala fide*. The court’s decision comes despite arguments from the petitioner’s lawyer highlighting the potential for bias given the state authority investigating the state’s Chief Minister. Senior advocates representing the state and Siddaramaiah countered that transferring the probe would require proof of bad faith, which wasn’t presented. The Lokayukta’s report, currently sealed, remains unseen.

The BJP has seized on the allegations, demanding Siddaramaiah’s resignation. The Chief Minister has consistently denied any wrongdoing, characterizing the case as politically motivated. The case was initiated last July after a complaint was filed with the Governor, who subsequently sanctioned a corruption case against Siddaramaiah and other accused individuals. Siddaramaiah’s appeal against this decision was previously rejected by the High Court. This latest ruling represents a significant victory for the Chief Minister.

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