MUDA Scam: Karnataka Withdraws Consent For CBI Probe

Bengaluru: The Karnataka government on Thursday withdrew the consent given to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) amid calls for central agency probe in the MUDA scam.

Speaking on the development, Karnataka Law Minister HK Patil said, “We have withdrawn the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act for investigation in the state. They are not investigating legally. Case by case can be given. It's not a case outright. This has not been withdrawn as the MUDA case is coming. Such a situation has not come. The CBI is being misused. Some chargesheets have not been filed in the case handed over to the CBI. That is why we have withdrawn this Act.”

"We are withdrawing open consent for CBI investigation in the state. We are expressing our concerns about the misuse of the CBI. In all the cases we have referred to the CBI, they have not filed charge sheets, leaving many cases pending. They have also refused to investigate several cases we have sent. There are numerous such instances. They are biased. That’s why we are taking the decision. It's not because of the MUDA case. We have taken this decision to control them (CBI) from taking the wrong path...," he added.

On Tuesday, in a big setback for chief minister Siddaramaiah, the Karnataka High Court upheld Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot's nod for prosecuting him in the alleged MUDA scam case.

Siddaramaiah later that day in a presser acknowledged court's order and said that he would seek legal opinions on this adding the party and the high command were backing him.

Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar addressed media and rejected any possibilities of resignation of the chief minister. Siddaramaiah also lashed out at the BJP saying they shouldn't be happy adding they are not going to be scared of this.