Mysuru: The Central Crime Branch (CCB) Police of Bengaluru conducted searches at the office and residence of RTI activist Snehamayi Krishna in Mysuru, following his arrest in connection with a case registered at the Cyber Police Station in Bengaluru.
Krishna is the complainant in the alleged alternative site allotment case involving the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA), in which allegations have been levelled against the Chief Minister and members of his family. The latest developments come amid heightened political and legal scrutiny surrounding the case.
Arrest following cyber police complaint
Bengaluru police arrested Krishna on Wednesday based on a complaint filed by former MUDA Commissioner D B Natesh. The complaint was registered at the Cyber Police Station in Bengaluru.
According to sources, the case pertains to allegations made by Krishna against Natesh. The RTI activist had reportedly alleged that the former MUDA Commissioner had bribed Chief Secretary Shalini Rajaneesh in connection with his promotion. Following these allegations, Natesh lodged a complaint with the Cyber Police, leading to the registration of a case against Krishna.
Police have not officially disclosed the specific sections under which the case has been filed. However, it is understood that the matter relates to alleged defamatory or objectionable content circulated electronically.
Searches at multiple locations
Mysuru saw heightened police activity on Friday afternoon when CCB officials carried out raids at multiple locations linked to Krishna. Searches were conducted at his office and residence in Gowrishankar Nagar, as well as at his mother’s house in Bandipalya.
Krishna’s wife, Vinoda, confirmed that the police arrived with a search warrant. “The police came with a search warrant. They seized a few items like a pen drive, a hard disk and several documents,” she said.
CCB officials reportedly seized electronic devices including a printer and CPU, along with documents believed to be relevant to the investigation. The search operation concluded around 6.20 pm, according to sources.
Wife alleges harassment
Vinoda said her husband frequently travelled to Bengaluru, often twice a week, in connection with the MUDA alternative site allotment case. She described his arrest as an attempt to intimidate him.
“He has been arrested for fighting against injustice. He will not be afraid of all this. He will continue his fight against injustice,” she said, asserting that the activist had acted in public interest.
Krishna has been vocal in raising allegations regarding the allotment of alternative sites by MUDA and has sought legal scrutiny of the process.
Political and legal backdrop
The MUDA alternative site allotment case has generated significant political debate in Karnataka, with allegations and counter-allegations between ruling and opposition parties. Recently, a court accepted a ‘B report’ in a related matter, giving a clean chit to the Chief Minister, adding another layer to the ongoing controversy.
The latest action against Krishna has drawn attention to the broader dispute between the activist and former MUDA officials. While police maintain that the arrest and searches are part of a lawful investigation based on a registered complaint, supporters of the activist have raised concerns about the timing of the action.
Investigation underway
CCB officials have stated that further investigation is in progress. The seized electronic devices and documents are expected to be examined as part of the probe.
Legal experts note that cases involving allegations made through digital platforms fall under cyber and criminal law provisions, and due process will determine the outcome. Krishna is likely to be produced before a court, and subsequent proceedings will depend on judicial directions.
As the investigation unfolds, the episode has intensified debate over accountability, freedom of expression and the use of legal mechanisms in politically sensitive cases. Authorities have emphasised that the probe will proceed in accordance with law.