Karnataka: As CM's Wife Decides To Return Controversial Sites, MUDA Commissioner Says, 'We'll Take Legal Advice'
Karnataka Law Minister HK Patil emphasised that the land allotment took place decades ago and praised Parvathi's decision to return the plots as a step to protect the CM's honour.
After Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's wife, Parvathi, has voluntarily surrendered 14 plots of land that were allotted to her by the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA), MUDA Commissioner A.N. Raghunandan confirmed receiving a letter and said that they would take legal advice to decide on the next course of action.
On Tuesday, MUDA Commissioner A.N. Raghunandan confirming on receiving a letter from Parvathi said that the letter was delivered by the CM’s son, Yathindra Siddaramaiah. A.N. Raghunandan said, "I have the letter written by CM Siddaramaiah's wife regarding returning the 14 sites. CM's son Yathindra Siddaramaiah came to our office and gave the letter. They have given us a request letter to take it back voluntarily."
Mysuru, Karnataka: Muda commissioner AN Raghunandan says, "I have the letter written by CM Siddaramaiah's wife regarding returning the 14 sites. CM's son Yathindra Siddaramaiah came to our office and gave the letter. They have given us a request letter to take it back… pic.twitter.com/8rW82hIzg8
— ANI (@ANI) October 1, 2024
He noted that legal advice would be sought before the next course of action is determined. "Since the case is under investigation, we will take legal advice and then proceed. Lokayukta police have requested documents, which we will provide. So far, there has been no request from the Enforcement Directorate (ED), but we are ready to fully cooperate with any inquiries," Raghunandan stated.
Karnataka Law Minister H.K. Patil weighed in on the issue, questioning the relevance of money laundering allegations. He Patil said, "It is shocking and surprising that how can MUDA issue be money laundering. Where is money? It will be one of the greatest blunders that the ED will be doing if they are going on that path
He emphasised that the land allotment took place decades ago and praised Parvathi's decision to return the plots as a step to protect the CM's honour. "It’s the right decision, and it will help clear public doubts," Patil said.
Meanwhile, the Karnataka Lokayukta team has initiated its investigation with a spot inspection in Mysuru. Activist Snehamayi Krishna, the complainant in the case, was also present during the inspection.
The voluntary surrender of the land by Parvathi Siddaramaiah is being viewed as an effort to address public concerns while the investigation proceeds.