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MUDA scam: Karnataka HC adjourns hearing on plea to transfer probe to CBI

CM Siddaramaiah, his wife paravathi and a few others are accused in the case; ED has registered a money laundering case in connection with alleged scam

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah | PTI

The Karnataka High Court on Tuesday adjourned the hearing on the plea to transfer the probe into the alleged scam involving Mysore Urban Development Authority to the CBI. The Court will next hear the plea moved by social activist Snehamayi Krishna on December 10.

Doubting the fairness of the probe being conducted by the Lokayukta police into the alleged scam in allotting compensatory sites by MUDA, activist Snehamayi Krishna sought a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation in the case. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, his wife and a few others are named accused in the case. The petitioner Snehamayi Krishna told PTI that he has no faith in the Lokayukta police and hence the case should be handed over to the CBI.

The alleged scam revolves around the allotment of compensatory sites to Siddaramaiah’s wife Parvati for land acquired from her for developing a residential layout in Mysuru. Allegedly, 14 compensatory sites were allotted to Siddaramaiah's wife in an upmarket area in Mysuru, which had higher property value as compared to the location of her land which was "acquired" by MUDA for developing a residential layout.

The MUDA had allotted plots to Parvathi under a 50:50 ratio scheme in lieu of 3.16 acres of her land, PTI reported. Allegedly, Parvathi had no legal title over the 3.16 acres of land at survey number 464 of Kasare village, Kasaba Hobli of Mysuru taluk.

The Enforcement Directorate has also registered a money laundering case in connection with the alleged scam and recently conducted searches at multiple locations in Bengaluru and Mysuru, including the office of MUDA. CM Siddaramaiah denied the allegations. Earlier this month, the Lokayukta summoned the chief minister for questioning.