Pramesh S Jain
Continuing investigations in the MUDA scam,the Directorate of Enforcement (ED),Bengaluru Zonal Office on Saturday provisionally attached 34 immovable properties including MUDA sites having a market value of Rs.40.08 Crore under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
According to the official release,the ED initiated investigation on the basis of FIR registered by Lokayukta Police Mysore,in the case of large scale scam in allotment of site by Mysore Urban Development Authority (MUDA).
Investigation revealed that routing and layering of undue gratification obtained by GT Dinesh Kumar,former Commissioner of MUDA.
Such proceeds of crime were used for purchasing immovable properties in the name of relative and associates of GT Dinesh Kumar.
Further investigation also revealed illegal allotment of 31 MUDA sites by GT Dinesh Kumar.
Searches in the case were conducted by ED officials in October last year revealed that the sites were allotted in gross violation of letter dated 14.03.2023,Government Order dated 27.10.2023,Karnataka Urban Development Authorities (Allotment of Sites in lieu of compensation for the land Acquired) Rules,2009 as amended in 2015 and Karnataka Urban Development Authority (Incentive Scheme for voluntary Surrender of Land) Rules,1991.
Further,search action also revealed a deep nexus between MUDA officials and real estate businessmen.
Evidences also revealed payment of cash for allotment of sites as compensation and approval of layouts.
Earlier, in the case,the ED had provisionally attached a total of 252 illegally allotted MUDA Sites.Further, G T Dinesh Kumar,who made large scale illegal allotment of MUDA sites was arrested under the provisions of PMLA, 2002 on September 16 .
Presently GT Dinesh Kumar has been remanded to Judicial Custody.Proceeds of Crime having market value of Rs.440 Crores (approx.)have been attached so far in the case under the provisions of PMLA,2002.Further investigation is under progress.
