ED conducts searches in MUDA case alleging irregularities involving Karnataka CM

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Friday carried out searches as part of an investigation into a money laundering case linked to alleged irregularities involving the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA). Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, his family members, and others have been named in the case, according to official sources. The ED, accompanied by central paramilitary forces, raided the MUDA office in Mysuru and several other locations. However, none of the premises of the Chief Minister or his family members were searched, sources clarified.

Prasanna Kumar, MUDA Secretary, speaking to reporters in Mysuru, said that the agency had not requested any specific information yet but was focused on gathering details about MUDA's operations. "The direction we have is not to share any information that may hamper the probe agency's work. We will provide them with the information that they ask. We are working according to the directions of the Commissioner (MUDA). The ED probe team has arrived, and we will provide whatever information they seek," Kumar stated.

He further mentioned that the ED officials arrived during office hours and indicated that their work would continue over the following two days. While he did not have details regarding the number of officers involved, Kumar confirmed that the MUDA staff would cooperate fully with the investigation.

The ED's actions come after the agency registered an enforcement case information report (ECIR) a few weeks earlier, based on a recent First Information Report (FIR) filed by the Lokayukta in Mysuru. The Chief Minister is accused of involvement in the alleged illegal allotment of 14 sites by MUDA to his wife, B M Parvathi. The FIR names several individuals, including Siddaramaiah, Parvathi, his brother-in-law Mallikarjuna Swamy, and Devaraju, from whom Swamy had purchased land and later gifted it to Parvathi. The FIR was filed by the Lokayukta police establishment on September 27.

Meanwhile, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel have been stationed at the MUDA office in Mysuru to provide security during the raids. ED officials also conducted searches at Devaraju’s residence in Kengeri, Bengaluru. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has denied any wrongdoing by him or his family, attributing the allegations to political opposition. He stated that the opposition was "scared" of him and that this is the first "political case" initiated against him.