The Karnataka government on Wednesday approved a crucial step in the ongoing Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) land allotment case by granting permission to the Lokayukta Police to investigate former MUDA chairman HV Rajeev. The decision, which follows months of deliberation within the government, is expected to significantly advance the probe and increases the likelihood of a charge sheet being filed in the politically sensitive case that also involves Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.

Officials familiar with the matter said the sanction was granted by the state’s Urban Development Department, acting on a request submitted by the Lokayukta Police nearly seven months ago. The request, which had remained pending for months, sought official approval to proceed with a criminal investigation against Rajeev as part of the broader MUDA land allotment inquiry.

Cabinet Clears Long-Pending Sanction

According to officials, the file moved through multiple layers of scrutiny before receiving final clearance. After initial examination by the Urban Development Department, the matter was referred to the Law Department for legal opinion. Following consultations, the proposal was placed before the state cabinet, which approved the sanction on Wednesday.

With this clearance, the Lokayukta Police are now legally empowered to proceed with their investigation against Rajeev, who served as MUDA chairman during the period relevant to the alleged irregularities.

“The government has granted permission after due legal scrutiny. This will enable the Lokayukta police to move forward as per law,” a senior official familiar with the decision said, adding that the sanction removes a key procedural hurdle in the case.

Officials indicated that the development substantially raises the chances of a charge sheet being filed against Rajeev, depending on the findings of the investigation.

Case Linked to Allegations Against Chief Minister

The MUDA land allotment case has been under intense public and political scrutiny because of allegations involving Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. The controversy centres on a land transaction connected to his family and the subsequent compensation granted by MUDA, which complainants allege was disproportionate and illegal.

At the heart of the case is a 3.16-acre parcel of land that was gifted in 2010 to Siddaramaiah’s wife, BM Parvathi, by her brother Mallikarjuna Swamy. According to the complaint, MUDA went on to develop the land between 2011 and 2013, allegedly without proper legal authority.

In 2014, Parvathi sought compensation from MUDA, citing the development of her land. Three years later, in 2017, MUDA agreed to compensate her under its existing policies. Eventually, in 2022, she was allotted 14 alternative plots under MUDA’s controversial 50:50 scheme.

Complainants have argued that the compensatory plots were far more valuable than the original land, raising questions about preferential treatment, misuse of authority and financial loss to the public exchequer.

Political Flashpoint in Karnataka

The case has become a major political flashpoint in Karnataka, with opposition parties repeatedly accusing the Congress-led government of shielding senior leaders and selectively applying the law. The ruling party, meanwhile, has maintained that the investigation has been allowed to proceed independently and in accordance with legal procedures.

The decision to grant sanction against the former MUDA chairman is being seen as a significant moment, as it signals that the probe is moving beyond lower-level officials and administrative processes to examine decision-making at the top of the authority.

While Siddaramaiah has denied any wrongdoing, the allegations have continued to fuel political debate, particularly as Karnataka heads into a period of heightened political activity.

Lokayukta ‘B Report’ Under Judicial Scrutiny

Parallel to the sanction granted against Rajeev, legal proceedings related to the Lokayukta’s ‘B report’ in the same case have reached a decisive stage. A ‘B report’ typically indicates that investigators have found insufficient evidence to proceed with prosecution.

In this case, the Lokayukta investigation officer had filed a ‘B report’ with respect to Siddaramaiah and three other accused individuals. That report has been challenged by social activist Snehamayi Krishna, who filed an objection petition alleging that the investigation was flawed and incomplete.

The Special Court for MPs and MLAs in Bengaluru has completed hearings on the objection petition and reserved its order for January 22. The court heard detailed arguments from both sides earlier this week before concluding the proceedings.

During the hearing, the Special Public Prosecutor representing the Lokayukta submitted certain documents related to the final report in a sealed cover, underscoring the sensitivity of the material and the ongoing nature of the investigation.

Former MUDA Commissioner in Custody

Adding another layer to the case, former MUDA commissioner GT Dinesh Kumar is currently in judicial custody in connection with the land allotment matter. The Special Court directed that he be produced before it on January 17, as part of the ongoing judicial process.

Dinesh Kumar’s arrest and custody have already pointed to serious concerns within MUDA’s functioning during the relevant period. Investigators are examining the role of senior officials, policy decisions and administrative approvals linked to the land compensation granted to Parvathi.

What Lies Ahead

With the Karnataka government now formally authorising the Lokayukta Police to probe former MUDA chairman HV Rajeev, the investigation is expected to gather momentum in the coming weeks. Officials say the sanction removes legal ambiguity and allows investigators to summon, question and, if necessary, prosecute Rajeev based on the evidence collected.

The court’s forthcoming decision on the challenge to the ‘B report’ will also be critical. If the court rejects the report and orders further investigation, it could widen the scope of the case and intensify scrutiny on all those named in the complaint, including the chief minister.

Taken together, these developments mark a crucial phase in one of Karnataka’s most politically sensitive corruption cases in recent years. As the legal process unfolds, the MUDA land allotment case is likely to remain firmly in the public eye, with implications not only for individual officials but also for the credibility of institutions and governance in the state.