A Karnataka court accepted the closure report in the bribery case involving Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. The case was based on allegations that Siddaramaiah misused his position to influence the allocation of plots by the Mysore Urban Development Authority (MUDA). After investigation, authorities found insufficient evidence to proceed.
Bengaluru: A special court designated to handle criminal cases against elected officials has accepted the closure report submitted by the Karnataka Lokayukta police regarding a bribery case involving Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.
This case originated from allegations made by a BJP leader, who claimed that Siddaramaiah accepted Rs. 1.3 crore during his previous term as Chief Minister in exchange for appointing a manager at the Bengaluru Turf Club (BTC).
Also Read: MUDA Scam | Karnataka HC Adjourns CM Siddaramaiah’s CBI Probe to January 27
In its ruling on January 18, the court stated,
“The closure report filed by the Deputy Superintendent of Police, Karnataka Lokayukta, Bengaluru, dated 12.9.2024, is hereby accepted.”
The court noted that while the records showed,
“Accused No.1 Mr. Siddaramaiah had received a sum of Rs.1,30,00,000 from Accused No.2 L Vivekananda, the same cannot be held to be an act of quid pro quo towards his nomination as Steward of BTC.”
Earlier, the special court directed the Lokayukta police to reopen and investigate the case, but following their inquiry, the police submitted a closure report, which the court has now accepted.
In August 2024, social worker T.J. Abraham filed a complaint against Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, accusing him of misusing his power to influence the Mysore Urban Development Authority (MUDA) to allot 14 plots in Mysore to his wife. The opposition demanded Siddaramaiah’s resignation and held a protest march from Bangalore to Mysore.
Also Read: CM Siddaramaiah Denies Voter Luring Allegations: Karnataka HC
On August 17, Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot approved the prosecution of Siddaramaiah for these allegations. Siddaramaiah opposed the Governor’s decision, calling it unconstitutional.
However, on September 24, the Karnataka High Court rejected his appeal, confirming that the Governor had the authority to approve prosecution.
Following this, on September 25, a Special Court ordered a detailed investigation into the case and handed it over to the Karnataka Lokayukta’s Mysore division, asking them to submit a report within three months.