27-Jan-2025 03:35 PM
3580
Bengaluru, Jan 27 (Reporter) The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has summoned BM Parvathi, wife of Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, to appear before it on Tuesday in connection with the Mysore Urban Development Authority (MUDA) land allotment case.
"Yes, a notice has been issued," CM Siddaramaiah told reporters on Monday when asked whether the ED has issued notice to his wife.
The investigation pertains to the allotment of compensatory sites under a controversial 50:50 ratio scheme. Under the scheme, MUDA allotted 50 percent of developed land to land losers in exchange for undeveloped land acquired to create residential layouts.
The ED is examining allegations that Parvathi received plots in a prime area of Mysuru with a higher market value compared to her original land, a 3.16-acre parcel in Kasare village, Kasaba hobli, Mysuru taluk. It is further alleged that Parvathi lacked legal ownership of this land, raising questions about the legitimacy of the compensatory allotments.
Muralikannan, Additional Director of the ED, has invoked provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA), seeking Parvathi’s attendance for the submission of evidence and records.
Both the ED and the Karnataka Lokayukta are conducting parallel investigations into the case. The allegations have drawn sharp political reactions, with opposition parties alleging misuse of government schemes for personal gain.
The case is seen as a political flashpoint in Karnataka, with Siddaramaiah’s political rivals leveraging the controversy to question his administration's integrity...////...