Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India]: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has attached 142 immovable properties worth approximately Rs 300 crore under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, in connection with the MUDA case involving Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and others.
Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan responded to the development, stating, “Nobody is above the law. Agencies work independently and are doing what they are supposed to do.”
Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge also commented, emphasizing that the state is not obstructing the investigation.
“This has been going on for a very long time, even during the BJP tenure, as is being alleged. Whatever is happening is as per law. Let the law take its own course. The CM is very clear—whatever investigation is happening, let it happen. No one is stalling the investigation,” Kharge said.
ED’s Allegations
The investigation stems from a First Information Report (FIR) filed by the Lokayuktha Police Mysore under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), 1860, and the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988.
The ED alleges that Siddaramaiah used his political influence to secure 14 compensation sites in the name of his wife, BM Parvathi, for land acquired by the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA). The original land, valued at Rs 3,24,700, was allegedly exchanged for sites in a prime locality worth approximately Rs 56 crore.
The attached properties are reportedly registered under the names of various individuals working as real estate businessmen and agents.
BJP’s Reaction
Karnataka BJP Chief BY Vijayendra termed the ED’s action a “major victory” in the fight against the alleged MUDA scam.
Major Victory in our Fight Against the MUDA Scam!
— Vijayendra Yediyurappa (@BYVijayendra) January 18, 2025
The ED's investigation has exposed significant corruption involving CM @siddaramaiah, who allegedly used his political influence to illegally allocate sites in the name of his wife. The allocation of sites to benamis and dummies… pic.twitter.com/YYZE2SnYfk
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Vijayendra wrote:
“Major Victory in our Fight Against the MUDA Scam! The ED’s investigation has exposed significant corruption involving CM @siddaramaiah, who allegedly used his political influence to illegally allocate sites in the name of his wife. The allocation of sites to benamis and dummies of influential persons further highlights the systemic corruption at play.”
He further emphasized that the BJP and JD(S) have consistently protested both inside and outside the assembly against what they claim is a “blatant misuse” of power by the Chief Minister and his associates.