October 18, 2024: In a significant development, a team of 12 officials from the Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted searches at the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) office on Friday as part of an ongoing money laundering investigation involving Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. The investigation centers on allegations that Siddaramaiah and his family profited from controversial land allotment exchanges overseen by MUDA.

During the operation, ED officials engaged with MUDA Commissioner Raghunandan and staff from the Special Land Acquisition Office. It is anticipated that the agency will seize documents relevant to the case. The officials were accompanied by a contingent of central paramilitary forces for security during the raid.

In addition to the MUDA office, the ED carried out searches at various locations across Mysuru; however, these sites are not directly linked to Siddaramaiah or his family.

The scrutiny comes on the heels of K Mari Gowda's resignation as MUDA chief, a position he held for years and a long-time ally of Siddaramaiah. Gowda stated he was "instructed" to resign by the Chief Minister but emphasized that his decision was motivated by health concerns rather than political pressure.

The allegations against Siddaramaiah include claims that his wife, BN Parvathi, was granted 14 plots of land in a prime area of Mysuru in return for 3.16 acres of land, reportedly intended for infrastructure projects. Anti-corruption activists argue that this exchange may have cost the state a staggering ₹45 crore.