New Complaint Filed Against Siddaramaiah in Alleged Land Scam Case

Bengaluru: A fresh complaint has been lodged against Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, accusing him of destroying evidence related to a land scam allegedly involving his wife, BN Parvathi. The complaint was submitted to the Enforcement Directorate (ED) by Pradeep Kumar, one of the primary complainants in the ongoing Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) case. The complaint also implicates the Chief Minister’s son, Yathindra, alongside MUDA officials, for their alleged involvement in tampering with key evidence.

Details of the Allegations

The allegations emerged shortly after BN Parvathi offered to return several plots of prime land in Mysuru, which have been at the centre of the scandal. MUDA officials have since agreed to reclaim the disputed plots. Siddaramaiah, while defending his wife, stated that her decision to return the land was made independently and attributed the controversy to “a political conspiracy.”

The land dispute revolves around 14 plots located in Vijayanagar Phase 3 and 4 of Mysuru, which were allotted to Ms Parvathi in exchange for 3.16 acres of land in Kesare village, situated near the city. Critics claim that this transaction resulted in a financial loss of ₹45 crore to the state government, according to an anti-corruption activist who initially brought the matter to light.

Political Fallout

This case has intensified political tensions in Karnataka, with the opposition BJP calling for Siddaramaiah’s resignation and demanding a thorough investigation into the matter. The party has put pressure on the Governor, who has since granted permission for the Lokayukta to pursue prosecution against the Chief Minister.

Despite the growing political storm, Siddaramaiah has firmly rejected the allegations. He insists that neither he nor his wife were involved in any wrongdoing, and has refused to step down from his position. He reiterated that the allotment by MUDA during his tenure as Chief Minister was legitimate and has accused the opposition of fabricating the controversy for political gain.

Alleged Involvement of MUDA Officials

The complaint also points to the involvement of MUDA officials in allegedly destroying evidence related to the land scam. Pradeep Kumar, the complainant, has requested the ED to investigate the role of these officials in tampering with critical documents and obstructing justice.

Conclusion

As the allegations continue to mount, the case has become a significant political issue in Karnataka, with both the ruling party and opposition exchanging heated accusations. While Siddaramaiah remains adamant in his defence, the political implications of this scandal could have long-term effects on his administration and the upcoming elections in the state.