Bengaluru, August 17: Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot has granted permission to prosecute Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in connection with the MUDA scam, according to sources cited by news agency PTI. An official at the Raj Bhavan confirmed that the sanction for prosecution is based on three petitions filed by advocate-activist T J Abraham, Pradeep, and Snehamayi Krishna.

On July 26, the Governor issued a show-cause notice to Chief Minister Siddharamaiah, directing him to respond to the allegations within seven days and explaining why permission for prosecution should not be granted. This notice was based on a petition filed by T J Abraham. MUDA Case: Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah To Be Prosecuted in Alleged Land Scam Case.

What is MUDA Land Scam Case?

The 50:50 incentive scheme of the Mysore Urban Development Authority (MUDA), designed to compensate individuals who lost their land for layout development by offering them 50% of the sites or alternative sites, is now under scrutiny for multiple alleged violations.

Reports suggest that some individuals received more alternative sites than they were entitled to under the scheme. Additionally, there are allegations that alternative land was allocated in areas with significantly higher guidance values than the original development sites. The guidance value represents the official minimum value of land or property. MUDA Scam: BJP MLAs Hold Night-Long Dharna in Karnataka Vidhan Soudha Demanding Debate on Alleged MUDA Scam (Watch Videos).

These irregularities are believed to have resulted in MUDA losses amounting to hundreds of crores. Despite two government orders in the past six months directing MUDA to halt the allotment of sites under the 50:50 scheme until clear guidelines were established, the allocation reportedly continued. A recent government order, which initiated an inquiry led by an IAS officer, highlighted prima facie suspicions of illegalities in the site allocations. The order noted that the sites were allegedly given to influential individuals and real estate agents instead of being allocated to eligible beneficiaries.

Controversy Surrounds Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah, His Wife Parvathi

Siddaramaiah’s wife, Parvathi, is at the centre of a controversy involving the Mysore Urban Development Authority (MUDA). Parvathi owned 3 acres of land in Kesare village, Mysuru, which MUDA acquired for development. In compensation, MUDA allotted her plots in an upmarket area of Mysuru.

Allegations have surfaced that the plots allotted to Parvathi had a significantly higher property value than her original land in Kesare. Under the 50:50 ratio scheme, MUDA compensates landowners by allotting 50% of developed land in exchange for undeveloped land acquired for layout development. In Parvathi’s case, MUDA allotted plots in lieu of 3.16 acres of her land, where a residential layout was developed.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 17, 2024 11:30 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).