In a move that has raised several eyebrows, the Karnataka Lokayukta’s special investigation team (SIT) has once again written to the governor seeking prosecution sanction against union minister HD Kumaraswamy in a mining case while providing clarifications sought by the Raj Bhavan earlier.
Kumaraswamy in his first term as chief minister between 2006 and 2008, has been accused of favouring Sri Sai Venkateswara Minerals. It has been alleged that the government favoured the company in question over two dozen others by violating rules. The case was mentioned in the Lokayukta report on mining scams prepared by N Santosh Hegde when he held the post.
The SIT on November 11, 2023, had sought prosecution sanction against HDK under various sections of the Indian Penal Code and Prevention of Corruption Act. But after not moving on the petition for nine months, governor Thawar Chand Gehlot sought additional details from the SIT earlier in the month and the team responded on Monday.
Chief minister Siddaramaiah was quick to point out that the governor was slow in moving when it came to Kumaraswamy’s case, while in his case the Raj Bhavan issued a show cause notice on the same day of receiving a private complaint.
“On 23-11-2023, the Lokayukta had approached the Governor to give prosecution sanction against HD Kumaraswamy, which the governor hasn’t given till today and Lokayukta has asked again. But on 26-07- 2024, TJ Abhram gives a complaint against me at 11:30 am and show cause notice was ready by 10 pm, isn’t this discrimination?” asked Siddaramaiah.
Earlier in the week, the Janata Dal (Secular) leader and former CM had dared Siddaramaiah to approach the Supreme Court in the mining case.
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