In a significant development amidst the ongoing controversy surrounding the allotment of compensatory plots to Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s wife, BM Parvathi, she has written to the Mysore Urban Development Authority (MUDA) to surrender 14 plots allocated to her.
In her letter to MUDA, Parvathi stated, “Further, I wish to surrender and return the compensation plots by cancelling the deeds of 14 plots executed in my favour by the Mysore Urban Development Authority. I am also handing over the possession of the plots back to the Mysore Urban Development Authority. Kindly take necessary steps in this regard as soon as possible.”
Adding to the mounting pressure on Siddaramaiah, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Monday initiated a money laundering investigation against him, his wife, and others in connection with the MUDA land allotment case. The ED, according to a report by the Press Trust of India (PTI), has registered an enforcement case information report (ECIR), similar to a police FIR, under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
The ECIR names Siddaramaiah, his wife Parvathi, brother-in-law Mallikarjuna Swamy, and Devaraju – from whom Swamy purchased land and gifted it to Parvathi – among others. This follows an FIR lodged by the Mysuru-based Lokayukta police establishment on September 27, after a special court in Bengaluru ordered a Lokayukta police probe against Siddaramaiah last week.
The controversy revolves around allegations that compensatory sites were granted to Siddaramaiah’s wife in a prime location in Mysuru, offering higher property value compared to the land “acquired” by MUDA. The case has sparked political tension, with Siddaramaiah asserting that he is being targeted due to political motives and that he has done no wrong. He has maintained that he will fight the allegations legally.
The surrender of the 14 plots by Parvathi is a significant development in the case. While it remains unclear how this will impact the ongoing investigation, it signifies a move to address the concerns raised by the allegations. The ED’s involvement further intensifies scrutiny on the case, potentially leading to a deeper investigation into the alleged financial irregularities surrounding the MUDA land allotment.
