MUDA Scam: ED Raids Close Aides Of Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah

The Enforcement Directorate (ED), continuing its investigation into the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) scam, carried out raids on Tuesday for the second consecutive day. The searches targeted the residence and offices of Rakesh Papanna, a former Zila Parishad member in the Hinkal locality of Mysuru and a close confidant of Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, officials reported.

ED officers conducted thorough inspections, seeking key documents related to MUDA’s 50:50 site allotments scheme. Raids were also conducted at the offices and residences of builder Jayaram in the Kuvempunagar and Srirampura localities of Mysuru. Authorities allege Jayaram played a significant role in the controversial 50:50 allotment process, benefiting from close ties with MUDA officials.

Raids in Bengaluru Target Former MUDA Commissioners

On Monday, ED officials conducted searches at the residences of former MUDA Commissioners D.B. Natesh and G.T. Dinesh Kumar. The raid at Natesh’s residence on Malleshwaram’s 10th Cross in Bengaluru took place with Natesh present. Meanwhile, officials found Dinesh Kumar’s apartment in Banaswadi empty, as he had left for a morning walk. His mobile phone remained switched off as officers attempted to contact him.

Both Natesh and Kumar face accusations of falsifying documents and illegally distributing MUDA sites worth hundreds of crores. Additional raids occurred at the residence of builder and realtor N. Manjunath in Bengaluru’s Dollars’ Colony.

Documents Obtained from RTI Activist

Monday’s raids extended across nine locations in Bengaluru and Mysuru. In a significant development, the ED obtained vital documents related to the case from Mysuru-based RTI activist Gangaraju. The rapid succession of these raids suggests further action might be imminent against the primary accused, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.

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