In a significant development, a Special Court in Karnataka has directed the Lokayukta police to conduct a thorough investigation into allegations of corruption against Chief Minister Siddaramaiah during his tenure from 2013 to 2018. The case revolves around accusations that Siddaramaiah accepted ₹1.3 crore in the guise of a ‘loan’ from L. Vivekananda, Managing Director of M/s Vivek Hotels, Mysuru, to secure a nomination to the Bangalore Turf Club Ltd. The court’s decision to reject the closure report and order further inquiry underscores the gravity of the allegations and the need for a comprehensive investigation.
Judge Santosh Gajanan Bhat criticized the Lokayukta police for relying solely on statements from the accused and failing to explore other avenues of inquiry. This directive comes after a complaint filed by BJP’s N.R. Ramesh, highlighting suspicions of illegal gratification disguised as a loan. As the case unfolds, it underscores the imperative of transparency and accountability in governance, particularly concerning allegations of corruption at the highest levels of leadership.