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The Karnataka Home Minister, G Parameshwara, has expressed strong criticism regarding the involvement of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in the Mysore Urban Development Authority (MUDA) land allocation case. He questioned the justification for registering the case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), highlighting the lack of evidence for any financial transactions in the matter. Parameshwara stated that he was unable to comprehend the ED's decision to pursue the case under PMLA, asserting that the agency would need to provide a clear explanation for its actions.
Parameshwara further commented on the political implications of the case, stating that the wife of Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had already clarified her stance on the land allotment by offering to return the plots to the MUDA authorities. He argued that the entire episode was being manipulated for political gain and was unjustly tarnishing the image of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. This statement suggests a perception of a political motive behind the ED's investigation.
Earlier this week, the ED had booked Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on charges of money laundering in connection with the alleged MUDA land allotment scam. This action followed the filing of a First Information Report (FIR) by the Mysuru Lokayukta based on a court order. The court directed an investigation into allegations of irregularities in the allotment of 14 sites, valued at ₹56 crore, to Siddaramaiah's wife, Parvathi. In response to the ED's action, Parvathi wrote to the MUDA Commissioner, offering to surrender the allotted plots. This move seems to be an attempt to distance herself and her husband from any potential wrongdoing and to mitigate the political damage stemming from the investigation.