Now, Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy faces chargesheet troubles

Bengaluru: While Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is grappling with the fear of prosecution in the MUDA scandal, Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy seems to be facing mounting trouble with allegations of illegal mining lease approvals.

The Lokayukta SIT has submitted a proposal to the Governor seeking permission to file a chargesheet against Kumaraswamy. The Governor, currently on a trip, is expected to review the matter upon his return to Bengaluru on Wednesday.

The allegations stem from Kumaraswamy’s tenure as Karnataka Chief Minister in 2007 when he allegedly approved a lease of 550 acres of land in Sandur, Ballari, to Shri Sai Venkateshwara Minerals, a company that reportedly did not exist. This issue was first reported in 2011 by then-Lokayukta Justice Santosh Hegde. The Lokayukta SIT has now completed its investigation and seeks to file a chargesheet against Kumaraswamy.

However, the Governor’s office, which received the sealed letter from the SIT, has not yet opened it. The Governor will decide on the next steps after returning to Bengaluru, which has raised anticipation regarding his decision.

Why the Sudden Chargesheet?

The Lokayukta SIT, led by IGP M. Chandrashekar, had initially requested permission to proceed with the investigation in November 2023. The Governor had asked for clarifications in July, which the SIT provided only last Monday. Due to the lack of response from Raj Bhavan even after a week, the SIT sent another request on August 19 seeking permission to file the chargesheet. The fact that the SIT prepared the chargesheet within a week has led to suspicions among various quarters.

Case in brief:

• Allegation that HD Kumaraswamy, as Chief Minister in 2007, leased 550 acres of land.
• Among 29 companies that applied, only SSVM’s application was considered.
• Kumaraswamy was arrested in 2015 and released on bail.
• SIT sought the Governor’s permission in 2023 to file the chargesheet.
• Governor sought clarification from the SIT.

Why is Permission Needed?

• Previously, under the Anti-Corruption Act, there was no need for permission to file a case against former public representatives.
• A 2018 amendment mandates approval from the competent authority before filing a chargesheet against public representatives.
• Hence, SIT needs the Governor’s permission to file the chargesheet against Kumaraswamy.

Meanwhile, CM Siddaramaiah said that although the SIT had sought permission from the Governor in November 2023, it was not granted. This led to another request for permission. “Why is there such discrimination in granting permission for my prosecution compared to others?” Siddaramaiah asked.