Koppala, Aug 21 (Reporter) Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has hinted at the potential arrest of Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel, HD Kumaraswamy, in connection with an alleged mining lease case. The Chief Minister's remarks have sent ripples through the state's political landscape, signaling a possible escalation in the ongoing investigation. During a media briefing on Wednesday, Siddaramaiah addressed the growing speculation surrounding Kumaraswamy’s involvement in the fraudulent allocation of a mining lease. When questioned about the possibility of the Union Minister's arrest, the Chief Minister made it clear that the state government would not shy away from taking necessary legal action. "If the circumstances require his arrest, we will not hesitate to arrest him. As of now, such a situation does not exist," he stated, underscoring the government’s readiness to act if new evidence demands it. This statement comes on the heels of a recent move by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the Karnataka Lokayukta, which has submitted a fresh application to Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot seeking sanction to prosecute Kumaraswamy. The Union Minister has been accused of playing a central role in the fraudulent allocation of a mining lease, a scandal that has been under the scrutiny of the Lokayukta for some time. Siddaramaiah was quick to clarify that the Karnataka government was not directly involved in the legal proceedings against Kumaraswamy. He emphasised that the Lokayukta had independently sought the Governor’s sanction after a thorough investigation that produced substantial evidence. "The government has not sought action. The Lokayukta has sought action after investigating and collecting evidence," the Chief Minister explained, distancing his administration from the decision to prosecute. He also raised concerns about what he perceives as a delay in the Governor’s response to the Lokayukta's request. Drawing a comparison to his own experience, Siddaramaiah recalled how a sanction for prosecution was swiftly granted in his case, based on a private complaint, despite no formal request from the police or Lokayukta. "In Kumaraswamy's case, the Lokayukta has sought sanction for prosecution after investigation," he noted, hinting at a possible double standard in the handling of high-profile cases. Siddaramaiah did not hold back in his criticism of Kumaraswamy, describing the Union Minister as a "hit and scoot case." He questioned whether Kumaraswamy had ever fully pursued his allegations to their logical conclusion, casting doubt on the Minister's commitment to seeing justice served. As the political drama unfolds, all eyes are now on the Governor’s office. The potential arrest of a Union Minister would mark a significant development in Karnataka’s political landscape, with far-reaching implications for the state's governance and its leaders. The situation remains fluid, and the next steps taken by the state government and the Lokayukta will be crucial in determining the outcome of this high-stakes case...////...