Karnataka Law Minister Criticizes ED Over MUDA Land Allocation Case

Karnataka Law Minister HK Patil condemned the Enforcement Directorate's (ED) case against Chief Minister Siddaramaiah under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. The case involves the alleged illegal allotment of land by the Mysore Urban Development Authority. Patil called it a major blunder by the ED.

Karnataka Law Minister HK Patil launched a scathing attack on the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Tuesday concerning the Mysore Urban Development Authority (MUDA) land allocation case. Patil criticized the ED's case, registered under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) against Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, calling it one of the greatest blunders by the agency.

Patil expressed his shock and surprise at the MUDA case being considered a money-laundering issue. He questioned the basis of the allegations, noting the significant time elapsed since the land allotment. 'It is shocking and surprising that MUDA issue can be seen as money laundering. Where is the money? Decades have passed since the allotment. This would be one of ED's greatest blunders,' he said.

Regarding the return of plots by Siddaramaiah’s wife, Patil noted it as the right decision made out of concern for her husband’s honor. 'The Chief Minister's wife returned the site to clear doubts in the public's mind. She made the right decision considering her husband's honor,' he added.

Earlier, Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara also questioned the ED's involvement in the case due to the lack of financial transactions. On Monday, after the ED booked Siddaramaiah for money laundering linked to the MUDA land allotment scam, his wife offered to surrender the 14 plots allotted to her. Meanwhile, the Mysuru Lokayukta has begun an inquiry following a court order to investigate the alleged illegalities.