HD Kumaraswamy. (File Photo/PTI)
The Special Investigation Team of Karnataka Lokayukta on November 11, 2023 sought prosecution sanction against HDK under various sections of the Indian Penal Code and Prevention of Corruption Act. But after nine months without proceeding with the petition, Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot sought more details from the SIT earlier this month, and the team responded on Monday
In a move that has raised eyebrows among some, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) of Karnataka Lokayukta has once again written to the governor seeking prosecution of union minister HD Kumaraswamy in the mining case while providing the clarification sought by Raj Bhavan earlier. focus on.
Kumaraswamy was accused of favoring Sri Sai Venkateswara Minerals during his first term as chief minister from 2006 to 2008. The government allegedly violated rules by favoring that company over two dozen others. The case was mentioned in the Lokayukta report on mining scams prepared by N Santosh Hegde during his tenure.
The SIT sought prosecution sanctions against HDK on November 11, 2023, under various sections of the Indian Penal Code and Prevention of Corruption Act. But after nine months without proceeding with the petition, Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot sought more details from the SIT earlier this month, and the team responded on Monday.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah was quick to point out that the governor was slow in handling Kumaraswamy's case and in his case, Raj Bhavan issued a show-cause notice on the same day it received a private complaint.
“On November 23, 2023, the Lokayukta had approached the Governor seeking prosecution sanctions against HD Kumaraswamy, but the Governor did not grant the sanction till today and the Lokayukta has made the request again. But on July 26, 2024, TJ Abhram at 11:00 am 30 Is it not discrimination to file a complaint against me and prepare a show-cause notice before 10 pm? asked Siddaramaiah.
Earlier this week, the Janata Dal (Secular) leader and former chief minister had challenged Siddaramaiah to approach the Supreme Court in the mining case.