The Lokayukta Special Investigation Team (SIT), which is probing the illegal mining cases, recently submitted an English translation of a chargesheet against Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel, H.D. Kumaraswamy, to Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot.
The Governor is yet to convey his decision to the SIT’s request for sanction to prosecute Mr. Kumaraswamy, who is also a former Chief Minister, sources said.
The Governor had, in a first, sought an English translation of the entire chargesheet on August 28, 2024, days after the State Cabinet “advised” him to take a call on all requests for sanction for prosecution pending before him on August 22, 2024.
This was preceded by the Governor sanctioning prosecution of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in the alleged MUDA scam. The file requesting prosecution of Mr. Kumaraswamy was pending before the Governor from November, 2023.
The case pertains to the alleged contravention of norms while granting mining lease to a private firm. A case was registered against Mr. Kumaraswamy under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988.
Meanwhile, the Lokayukta police have also submitted an English translation of the chargesheet against mining baron and BJP leader, G. Janardhana Reddy, to the Governor, a few weeks ago, the sources said.
The Governor had returned the file seeking sanction to prosecute him as well, seeking a translation of the chargesheet.
Published - February 25, 2025 09:42 pm IST
