The Karnataka government has granted permission for Lokayukta Police to investigate former MUDA chairman HV Rajeev in a land allotment case linked to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. This approval increases the chances of filing a charge sheet against him. The case continues to stir political controversy.
The Karnataka government on Wednesday approved permission for the Lokayukta Police to investigate former Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) chairman HV Rajeev in a prominent land allotment case connected to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. Officials noted that the urban development department sanctioned the request, which had been pending for nearly seven months. After consultations with the Law Department, the state cabinet cleared the proposal, enabling the probe to advance.
With this approval, the prospects of filing a charge sheet against Rajeev have risen significantly. “The government has granted permission after due legal scrutiny. This will enable the Lokayukta police to move forward as per law,” a senior official familiar with the decision said.
The case revolves around a 3.16-acre plot gifted in 2010 to Siddaramaiah’s wife, BM Parvathi, by her brother Mallikarjuna Swamy. MUDA illegally developed the land between 2011 and 2013. Parvathi sought compensation in 2014, and MUDA agreed in 2017, allotting her 14 plots in 2022 under its 50:50 scheme. Complainants contend that the compensatory plots were worth far more than the original land.
Meanwhile, proceedings on the Lokayukta’s ‘B report’ in the case have reached a pivotal point. The Special Court for MPs and MLAs in Bengaluru has concluded hearings on a petition challenging the report filed against Siddaramaiah and three others, reserving its order for January 22. Social activist Snehamayi Krishna filed the objection, claiming flaws in the report and seeking further probe. On Tuesday, the court heard arguments from both sides, with the Special Public Prosecutor submitting documents in a sealed cover. The court also ordered former MUDA commissioner GT Dinesh Kumar, currently in judicial custody, to appear on January 17.
This development has fueled political debates, especially given the allegations against the chief minister.