ED initiates probe against Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah, wife in land case

BENGALURU/NEW DELHI: Enforcement Directorate has initiated a probe into the role of Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah and his wife for possible money laundering in the Mysore Urban Development Authority (MUDA) land allotment case following the recent FIR lodged by the state Lokayukta.

According to sources, the anti-money laundering agency accepted a complaint filed by Mysuru-based RTI activist Snehamayi Krishna seeking registration of a case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) and an investigation "into the misuse of official powers by Siddaramaiah and illegal allotment of 14 sites to his wife Parvathi".

Accordingly, an ECIR, equivalent of a police FIR, was registered.

The RTI activist cited the high court order which had upheld Karnataka governor Thawarchand Gehlot's decision to sanction an investigation into the alleged scam allegedly involving the CM and his family.

Congress slams Centre for ED probe against Sidda, wife

Karnataka HC has raised serious doubts with respect to allotment of sites in favour of the CM’s wife, and the high court in its wisdom has concluded that the subject matter requires investigation.

The HC has also gone to the extent of narrating the windfall gain due to the allotment of sites in favour of Siddaramaiah’s wife Parvathi.

“The ingredients of money laundering have been clearly made out and I request your office to take note of the said facts and take cognisance of the offences of money laundering,” Krishna’s complaint read.

Mysuru Lokayukta police, based on directions of the special court for elected representatives, had on Sept 27 registered an FIR against Siddaramaiah, Parvathi, her brother Mallikarjuna Swamy and then landowner Devaraju J under different sections of IPC and Prevention of Corruption Act. ED has also pressed sections of PMLA to book Siddaramaiah in its ECIR.

Congress slammed Centre over ED action. Party general secretary Jairam Ramesh said, “It is no secret that ED has become an instrument of harassment, vendetta, revenge and vengeance on his political opponents by the PM. We have nothing whatsoever to fear. Karnataka CM will be vindicated.”

Sources said ED probe will focus on the role of the CM’s wife and others who may have benefited from the scam. The agency is empowered to summon the accused for investigation and can also attach the-ir property.