MUDA case: Karnataka Congress ministers accuse ED of media leaks and attempting to influence Lokayukta probe

Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah, his wife Parvathi B M, his brother-in-law Mallikarjuna Swamy and others have been booked in the MUDA site allotment case.

Published on: Dec 5, 2024, 08:18:52 IST

By HT News Desk

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

Karnataka ministers on Wednesday, criticized the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for allegedly leaking details about the MUDA site allotment case to the media. They accused the agency of attempting to influence the ongoing Lokayukta investigation into the matter.

The Enforcement Directorate office in New Delhi. (HT Photo)

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, his wife Parvathi B M, his brother-in-law Mallikarjuna Swamy and others have been booked in the MUDA site allotment case registered by the Lokayukta police on the direction of a special court.

Parvathi is accused of illegally obtaining 14 MUDA sites in the upmarket of Mysuru city in lieu of ‘acquisition’ of three acres and 16 guntas of land in Kesare village.

(Also Read: ‘Waqf issue has become very serious’: Karnataka BJP President BY Vijayendra)

What Karnataka Congress ministers said

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar insisted that the investigations must be confidential and all the proof must be submitted only to the Court, PTI reported. “Leaking investigation details to the media shows their desperation. It is clear now there is no strength in their case. We will, however, fight it out in the court of law. We have faith in our legal system,” he told PTI.

Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara said when the Lokayukta investigation is still underway, the ED too started its probe into the matter. According to him, two agencies cannot probe the same matter simultaneously, the report added.

Parameshwara said the ED not only arrived at a conclusion but also communicated the same to the Lokayukta.

“You are influencing the Lokayukta investigation, coming in the way of their investigation or you are indirectly telling them how to investigate the case. This is against the law,” Parameshwara said in a press conference accoring to PTI.

The Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister Priyank Kharge said wherever there is non-BJP government in the country, the central probe agencies are let loose on them.

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Wednesday termed the ED's recent communication to the state Lokayukta police in connection with the MUDA site allotment case, as "politically motivated" and sent with an intent to influence them and the court.

(With PTI inputs)

(Also Read: Karnataka BJP rebel MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal to meet party's high command in New Delhi)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

Get the latest City News, local updates, weather alerts and breaking stories from Bengaluru, Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad and other major cities across India on Hindustan Times.