A new controversy has emerged in Karnataka's political landscape as Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his son, Dr. Yatindra Siddaramaiah, are accused of attempting to destroy evidence related to the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) land scam. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has initiated a case against the father-son duo, following a complaint by a man named Pradeep Kumar.

Pradeep Kumar's complaint alleges that CM Siddaramaiah and his son were involved in tampering with critical evidence connected to 14 sites in the MUDA area. These sites are at the center of a long-standing land allotment controversy, with claims of irregularities and illegal dealings going back several years. The complaint further suggests that MUDA officials collaborated in this act by retrieving and erasing evidence to avoid scrutiny.

Kumar also accused the Siddaramaiah family of orchestrating the cover-up, stating that these actions were part of a larger effort to evade investigation into the controversial land deals. He has called for a comprehensive probe and demanded that those involved be held accountable for tampering with the evidence.

Social Activist Testifies Before ED

As part of the ongoing investigation, social activist Snehamayi Krishna, the main complainant in the alleged MUDA scam, appeared before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in Bengaluru on Thursday. Krishna provided testimony and submitted crucial records to aid the probe into CM Siddaramaiah's involvement in the land scam. Sources indicate that the ED summoned Krishna to the Bengaluru Zonal Office as part of its inquiry.

The ED registered an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) on September 30, which is the equivalent of an FIR, based on allegations that Siddaramaiah's wife, Parvati B., was allotted 14 sites in violation of the law. This case was triggered after a complaint by Krishna to the Lokayukta police on September 27, implicating the chief minister, his wife, and others in the irregular land allotments.

Krishna's Cooperation in the Probe

Upon his arrival at the ED office, Krishna expressed his willingness to cooperate fully with the investigation. Speaking to reporters, he stated, "They (ED) called me, and I have brought all the necessary documents. I will provide any additional records they request."

As the investigation deepens, the accusations against CM Siddaramaiah and his family could lead to significant political ramifications in Karnataka, with opposition parties already seizing upon the issue to demand accountability from the ruling government. The ED's inquiry is expected to further unravel the alleged irregularities and corruption surrounding the MUDA land allotments.