MUDA Scam: Former Commissioner Natesh in Custody Amidst Allegations of Illegal Plot Allotment

Former MUDA Commissioner Natesh has been detained by the Enforcement Directorate for allegedly illegally allotting plots, including to the Karnataka Chief Minister's wife. The ED conducted multiple raids in connection to the MUDA-linked money laundering case. Evidence gathering focuses on top officials, with allegations strongly denied by CM Siddaramaiah.

In a significant development, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has detained former Mysore Urban Development Authority (MUDA) Commissioner Natesh, following accusations of illegal plot allotments. Official sources report that the ED raided Natesh's residence on Tuesday, leading to his arrest for questioning at the ED office in Shantinagar.

Natesh is facing serious allegations, including the illegal distribution of 928 plots, some allegedly allocated to Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's wife, Parvathi. Natesh claims adherence to government directives, denying any malpractice in the plot allotment process, according to an ED official.

On Monday, the ED conducted extensive searches across various Karnataka cities, including Mangalore, Bengaluru, Mandya, and Mysuru, related to the MUDA-linked money laundering investigation. These actions coincide with the recent summoning of six MUDA employees for interrogation at the ED's Bengaluru office, where they are expected to present pertinent documents.

The ED has invoked the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) to further the investigation, maintaining a focus on gathering substantial evidence linked to CM Siddaramaiah and his associates. Siddaramaiah has consistently asserted his innocence, dismissing the allegations as politically motivated attacks, despite persistent demands from the BJP for his resignation.

(With inputs from agencies.)