Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah on Wednesday criticized the Enforcement Directorate's (ED) communication to the Lokayukta police regarding a case involving the Mysore Urban Development Authority (MUDA) and site allotment. Siddaramaiah described the ED's actions as “prejudicial,” “politically motivated,” and an “attempt to influence the court before the hearing.”
The Lokayukta police are investigating the allotment of 14 residential sites to the chief minister’s wife, BM Parvathi. These sites were allegedly given in exchange for 3.18 acres of her farmland, which the Mysore Urban Development Authority (MUDA) reportedly acquired for a housing project.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED), also investigating MUDA under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), informed the Lokayukta police about potential irregularities. In its communication to the Lokayukta’s Additional Director General of Police, the ED claimed to have found “evidence” of irregularities, including bypassing rules, document tampering, and undue influence. The ED further alleged that MUDA illegally allotted 1,095 sites in “benami” (proxy) and other unauthorized deals worth over Rs 700 crore.
“The ED has no authority to investigate this case, and leaking the letter to the media smacks of political malice. This is prejudicial and intended to influence the high court (divisional bench), which is due to hear my writ petition tomorrow,” Siddaramaiah said.
He added, "The ED is conducting an investigation, but it is improper for the agency to bypass procedures. The inquiry report should have been submitted to the Lokayukta after completing the investigation. Writing to the Lokayukta and leaking the details to the media reflects political malice. Our petition is coming up for hearing in the High Court tomorrow, and this media publicity a day prior is a malicious attempt to influence and prejudice the court.”
Siddaramaiah has appealed against the single-bench order that upheld the Governor’s sanction to investigate the MUDA case.
The case began with Governor Thawarchand Gehlot’s sanction for prosecution following petitions by activists. Siddaramaiah challenged the sanction in the High Court, but a single-bench judge upheld the Governor's decision, allowing the trial court to proceed. Siddaramaiah subsequently appealed to a divisional bench. The trial court directed the Lokayukta police to investigate and submit a report by December 24. Based on the Lokayukta’s initial findings, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) also initiated a case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. Siddaramaiah questioned the ED’s information-sharing practices, but the ED responded, stating that “it has the authority to share any relevant information with other investigating agencies.”