In a significant development in the ongoing MUDA site allotment case, the Lokayukta police interrogated the former Commissioner of the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA), P S Kantharaju, on Thursday.
The case centers around allegations of irregularities in the allotment of compensatory plots by MUDA, and the questioning of Kantharaju is a critical part of the investigation.
Kantharaju, who served as the MUDA Commissioner from September 2017 to November 2019, appeared before the Lokayukta police to explain the decisions taken during his tenure regarding the disputed land transactions.
After his interrogation, Kantharaju spoke to the media, stating that he had presented all relevant details regarding the issue to the Investigation Officer (IO).
He clarified that in 2017, during a board meeting, a decision was made to return an equal amount of undeveloped land to landowners whose properties had been acquired by MUDA.
This decision was brought up in the MUDA board meeting in December 2017, and Kantharaju provided an explanation regarding the decision-making process when questioned by the police.
The investigation is part of a broader probe into allegations of land irregularities involving Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and several members of his family, including his wife, Parvathi B M, and his brother-in-law, Mallikarjuna Swamy.
They are accused of being involved in a controversial site allotment deal that allegedly benefited them unfairly. The controversy centers around the allotment of compensatory sites to Parvathi B M, who was allegedly given land in a high-value area in Mysuru, which was in contrast to the location of her original land, allegedly acquired illegally by MUDA.
The issue stems from the controversial 50:50 land allotment scheme introduced by MUDA, wherein landowners who lost land to development were compensated with developed land in residential layouts.
Parvathi B M was reportedly allotted plots under this scheme in exchange for 3.16 acres of her land, which had been acquired by MUDA for the development of a residential area.
However, it is alleged that Parvathi did not hold legal title to the land in question, located at survey number 464 in Kasare village, which has raised questions about the legality of the compensation process.
The allegations have sparked a larger investigation by both the Karnataka Lokayukta police and the Directorate of Enforcement (ED). Both agencies are working to uncover the extent of the alleged irregularities, which are being termed as part of a broader "scam."
The investigation into this matter has become a high-profile issue in Karnataka, especially given the involvement of senior political figures. The outcome of the Lokayukta police's ongoing inquiry, along with any subsequent findings by the ED, could have significant political and legal implications for those involved.
Kantharaju's testimony is expected to play a key role in shedding light on the decision-making process within MUDA and the procedures followed in the land allotments.
As the investigation unfolds, more individuals connected to the case may be called in for questioning to determine the full scope of the alleged irregularities.
The situation has created a political stir, with opposition leaders calling for greater transparency and accountability in the handling of public land transactions.
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