Amid MUDA 'scam' allegations, Karnataka transfers Mysuru Deputy Commissioner

Bengaluru: The Karnataka government has transferred Mysuru Deputy Commissioner Rajendra KV, triggering criticism as the action comes on the heels of the IAS officer flagging the widespread "illegal allotment of plots" by Mysore Urban Development Authority (MUDA).

The officer is credited with writing several letters to MUDA and the government trying to stop the "illegal" allotment as he pointed out the decision required the Cabinet's nod. MUDA's allotment of 14 plots in upscale Vijayanagar area to CM Siddaramiah's wife Parvathi in lieu of her 3 acre 16 guntas of land on the city outskirts has come under scanner.

BJP state president BY Vijayendra, in a post on X, said the government had taken revenge on an efficient officer "for repeatedly writing to the government on the issue and seeking action." With the transfer, the government has sought to divert the direction of the ongoing investigations, Vijayendra said. It was now clear that the government was scared that the facts would emerge if the investigations were handled by honest officers and went on in the right track.

Meanwhile, Union minister HD Kumaraswamy has sought compensation for the land given up by thousands of farmers for government projects at the same rate as Siddaramaiah is demanding for his wife's three acres of plot in Mysuru. The CM, had on Thursday, said the government owed him Rs 62 crore in compensation for the 3 acre 16 guntas of land taken over by MUDA at Kesare village.

Kumaraswamy, who is also the JDS state unit president, told the media in Mysuru that farmers have been running from pillar to post pleading for compensation for the land acquired by the government for various projects. "How will you decide while fixing rates for their land?" Kumaraswamy said, while wondering if it was alright for the government to have pushed farmers into dire straits.

"I know how the CM's wife got the plot of land (which MUDA took over," the Union minister said, while adding that he would reveal the details at an appropriate time. "The CM, who is demanding compensation for himself, should also pursue compensation demands of farmers."