Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah was questioned by the Lokayukta police for about two hours in connection with the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) case on Wednesday.
Siddaramaiah came out of the office of the Mysuru Lokayukta Superintendent T.J. Udesh at 12 noon. He appeared before the Lokayukta at 10.10 a.m. After coming out, CM Siddaramaiah reached the Government Guest House in Mysuru city.
Sources said that CM Siddaramaiah asked the officers to carry out the procedure and not give him any exemption. He also asked the officers to forget that he is the CM and ask him all the questions that they want for the investigation.
Sources further stated that he was asked questions regarding the allotment of sites, land conversion and finally return of allotted sites.
CM Siddaramaiah is named as the main accused in the case related to the alleged irregularities in the MUDA.
He is the first Chief Minister to face a Lokayukta probe while being in power in the history of Karnataka.
It is also the first time CM Siddaramaiah, who has a clean record, is facing a probe in his four-decade-old political career.
Siddaramaiah, who arrived in Mysuru from Bengaluru, was welcomed by Minister for Social Welfare H.C. Mahadevappa and Minister for Animal Husbandry K. Venkatesh at the Government Guest House.
CM Siddaramaiah had breakfast at the guest house and went straight to the Lokayukta office.
Siddaramaiah was probed about his role in the allocation of sites on a 50:50 ratio to his family; land conversion and for alleged fabrication of documents.
Sources said that, if CM Siddaramaiah gets a clean chit in the Lokayukta probe, it would help him to strongly argue that the investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is not required and allegations against him are political in nature.
Also, Siddaramaiah can face the investigation without the threat of being arrested.
The High Court will take up the matter on the petition demanding a CBI probe on November 26.
The court has also asked Lokayukta to submit its investigation report.
Petitioner Snehamayi Krishna has stated that he submitted a list of questions to be asked from CM Siddaramaiah.
If Lokayukta fails to ask these questions, CM Siddaramaiah will have to face the same questions asked by the CBI in the future.
A high alert has been sounded in the surrounding areas of the Lokayukta office in Mysuru.
The Lokayukta had earlier questioned CM Siddaramaiah’s wife Parvathy, the second accused, brother-in-law Mallikarjunaswamy, the third accused and land owner J. Devaraju, the fourth accused.
Tripura's unemployment ratio less than national average, claims CM Saha
Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha said on Sunday that the state's unemployment percentage is less than the national average and the government is trying hard to further improve it.
25 people held or quizzed by police in 3 NE states for 'seditious' comments on Pahalgam terror attack
At least 25 persons were arrested or questioned by the police in three northeastern states - Assam, Tripura and Meghalaya -- for making controversial comments on social media after the Pahalgam terror attack, which left 26 dead, officials said on Sunday.
Four held in Tripura for social media posts relating to Pahalgam terror attack
Police arrested four people including two retired teachers in the past 24 hours from Tripura’s three districts for making controversial posts on social media relating to the Pahalgam terror attack, officials said on Saturday.
Indian Army responds firmly to ceasefire violations by Pakistani troops along LoC
In the wake of the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Pakistan has resorted to unprovoked ceasefire violations along the Line of Control (LoC). Over the past two days, Pakistani military posts have been targeting Indian positions with small-arms fire. The Indian Army has given a strong and appropriate response to these provocations, official sources said.
US religious freedom body finds conditions for Pakistan minorities 'worsening', urges strong action
Finding "a worsening religious and political climate of fear, intolerance, and violence" for minorities in Pakistan, the US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has asked President Donald Trump's administration to take strong measures against the Islamic Republic.
Residences of LeT commanders, Pahalgam attack suspects demolished across Kashmir
Security forces have intensified their crackdown on Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) operatives and suspects linked to the deadly Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives on April 22.
India, Pakistan will 'get it figured out,' says Trump on border tensions
US President Donald Trump refused to be drawn into India-Pakistan border tensions in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terrorist attack, stating that the two countries will "get it figured out one way or the other."
CM stresses scientific drain construction to combat flood
Chief Minister Prof. Dr. Manik Saha today emphasized the need to construct drains in a scientific manner to quickly drain the water accumulated in the city during heavy rains.