Vindication for Karnataka CM: Siddaramaiah and Family Cleared in MUDA Land Denotification Case

In a significant development that brings relief to the Karnataka political landscape, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, his son Dr. Yathindra Siddaramaiah, and son-in-law R.M. Lohit have been granted a full clean chit by the Lokayukta police. The much-talked-about allegations of illegal land denotification by the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) have been thoroughly investigated, leading to the submission of a B-report (closure report) to the court, effectively dismissing all claims as baseless.

The controversy first erupted with accusations made by former JD(S) MLA S.R.

Mahesh and BJP MLA C.K. Ramamurthy. They alleged that MUDA had unlawfully denotified 17.02 acres of land that were originally acquired for the development of the Lalithadripura-B Layout. These serious charges pointed fingers at the Chief Minister's family, implying their involvement in an illicit land deal.

However, the exhaustive investigation conducted by the Lokayukta police found no credible evidence to substantiate these grave claims.

After meticulously examining all records and circumstances, the investigative body concluded that there was no wrongdoing on the part of the Chief Minister or his family members, leading to the definitive clean chit.

A visibly relieved Chief Minister Siddaramaiah expressed his satisfaction with the outcome, reiterating his long-held stance that the allegations were nothing more than politically motivated attempts to tarnish his reputation.

Speaking on the matter, he asserted, “I have repeatedly stated that these allegations were baseless. I am confident that the truth will always prevail.”

Siddaramaiah further clarified the circumstances surrounding the land in question. He highlighted that the lands were originally purchased by his son-in-law, R.M.

Lohit, back in 2013 – a full year before he assumed the Chief Minister's office. He explained that the denotification process followed due course, influenced by court orders based on a Supreme Court ruling that upholds the rights of original landowners. This ruling dictates that if the purpose of land acquisition is not fulfilled within five years, or if the original landowners approach the court, denotification can occur.

The Chief Minister emphasized his unwavering commitment to transparency and adherence to legal procedures, stating that all actions taken were within the framework of the law.

This clean chit not only clears his name and that of his family but also reinforces the integrity of the investigative process, bringing a definitive end to a politically charged chapter in Karnataka.