Karnataka Government Revokes Consent for CBI Investigations

The Karnataka government has withdrawn open consent for CBI investigations in the state, citing misuse and bias. The move aims to steer the investigation authority away from a perceived wrong path. Law Minister HK Patil emphasized that the decision is unrelated to the ongoing MUDA case involving CM Siddaramaiah.

The Karnataka government on Thursday revoked open consent for the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to conduct probes within the state. Karnataka Law Minister HK Patil accused the CBI of being biased, stating the decision is to prevent the investigation body from taking the wrong path.

"We are withdrawing open consent for CBI investigation in the state. Our concerns revolve around the misuse of the CBI. In numerous instances, charge sheets have not been filed for cases we referred to them, while others were refused investigation altogether. Such examples highlight their bias. The decision isn't tied solely to the MUDA case. Instead, it aims to curb potential missteps," Patil said in a press conference. He added that the Congress party fully supports Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.

"The entire cabinet stands in solidarity with the CM. The legislature party and high command back him and have urged him to fight back," Patil added. He also dismissed the relevance of the CBI in the MUDA case, citing that a Special Court has ordered an investigation by Lokayukta.

On Wednesday, a Special Court in Bengaluru directed Karnataka Lokayukta's Mysuru district police to investigate allegations of illegal site allotments by Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) to Siddaramaiah's wife. The court's order followed the High Court's dismissal of Siddaramaiah's petition challenging the Governor's approval for the investigation.

(With inputs from agencies.)