Karnataka Government Launches Inquiry into MUDA Alternative Site Scam

The Karnataka government has initiated an inquiry led by retired High Court judge Justice P N Desai into the alleged alternative site scam involving the Mysuru Urban Development Authority. The probe, to be concluded in six months, follows allegations by the BJP linking Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's wife to the benefits of the scam.

The Karnataka government on Sunday announced the formation of an inquiry commission to investigate the alleged alternative site scam involving the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA). The one-man commission will be headed by retired High Court judge, Justice P N Desai.

The commission is tasked with completing the investigation and submitting its report within six months. Departments and MUDA officials are instructed to cooperate fully by providing necessary documents and information. The inquiry was ordered late Sunday night, just before the Legislature session set to begin on July 15.

The scam has gained attention after the BJP accused Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's wife, Parvathi, of benefiting from alternative site allocations. Siddaramaiah has denied the allegations, stating that MUDA had taken over his wife's land illegally and later compensated with alternative plots. The BJP estimates the scam to be worth around Rs 3,000 crore and staged a demonstration in Mysuru on Friday to highlight the issue.

(With inputs from agencies.)