 |
|
A special court in Bengaluru has ordered an investigation by the Lokayukta Police into allegations against Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, focusing on claims that his family acquired 14 housing plots in Mysuru unlawfully. This decision comes a day after the High Court lifted restrictions on a lower court case, paving the way for the investigation to proceed. The court, designated for cases involving public officials, has ordered the Lokayukta Police to register a First Information Report (FIR) and initiate the investigation, taking cognizance of the complaint under Section 156(3) of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC). The investigation is mandated to be completed within three months, with a report to be submitted to the court.
The complaint, filed by Mysuru-based activist Snehamayi Krishna, alleges that Siddaramaiah's wife was granted 14 valuable plots in a prestigious residential area of Mysuru in exchange for 3.16 acres of land acquired by the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) in Kesare village on the city's outskirts. The special court, after concluding preliminary hearings on the complaint, was previously unable to issue an order due to the ongoing High Court case. There are speculations that the case might be transferred to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) if the Lokayukta Police register the FIR in Mysuru, suggesting the potential for escalation of the investigation.
Siddaramaiah has asserted his willingness to face the investigation and fight any legal battles that may arise, emphasizing that he is not afraid. He has also stated that he will consult legal experts to strategize his future course of action. The Governor, Thawarchand Gehlot, granted permission for the probe on August 16 under Section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, clearing the legal hurdles for investigating agencies to proceed. The BJP, the opposition party, has demanded Siddaramaiah's resignation, claiming that the court orders demonstrate his guilt. They have called for him to face the investigation as an ordinary citizen, not as the Chief Minister. They also urged him to uphold the tradition of political leaders like Ramakrishna Hegde who stepped down following allegations of misconduct.
The CM has rejected the calls for his resignation, accusing the BJP and the Janata Dal (Secular) (JDS) of orchestrating a conspiracy to weaken the Congress regime. The High Court, in a ruling on Tuesday, dismissed Siddaramaiah's writ petition against the Governor's order, validating the Governor's action as a well-informed decision. Justice M Nagaprasanna stated that the allegations necessitate an investigation, particularly considering the beneficiary of the alleged actions is the wife of the petitioner. This court order effectively removes any legal obstacles for the Lokayukta Police to proceed with the investigation.
Source: Special court orders probe against Siddaramaiah, Lokayukta Police to file report in 3 months