'Scam in mining contracts', K'taka Governor gets complaint against CM Siddaramaiah

IANS April 9, 2025 142 views

A serious corruption allegation has been lodged against Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah by social activist Ramamurthy Gowda. The complaint, filed with Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot, claims Siddaramaiah received Rs 500 crore in kickbacks during mining license renewals in 2015. Governor Gehlot has forwarded the complaint to legal experts and sought the Solicitor General's opinion after a three-hour hearing. This development adds to Siddaramaiah's existing legal challenges, including the ongoing Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) case.

"Licenses were renewed for companies under investigation in a mining scam" - Ramamurthy Gowda, Social Activist
Bengaluru, April 9: A complaint alleging corruption in mining contract renewals has been lodged with Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot on Wednesday, targeting Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.

Key Points

1

Governor receives detailed complaint against Siddaramaiah's mining contract decisions

2

Alleged Rs 500 crore kickback in license renewals

3

Potential prosecution under corruption act sections

4

Complaint seeks legal action and investigation

Ramamurthy Gowda, a social activist, filed the complaint, urging the Governor to sanction prosecution against CM Siddaramaiah in the case.

The development has gained significance as sources confirm that Governor Gehlot, after hearing the complainant for three hours at the Raj Bhavan, has forwarded the complaint and documents related to the case to legal experts for their opinion. The Governor has also sought the opinion of the Solicitor General on the matter.

The complaint alleges that CM Siddaramaiah received kickbacks of approximately Rs 500 crore from the renewal of mining licenses for eight companies operating in the state. The complainant claims that during his first tenure in 2015, CM Siddaramaiah renewed the licenses of these eight mining companies instead of opting for auctions.

Gowda further alleges that CM Siddaramaiah's decision resulted in a loss of approximately Rs 5,000 crore to the state. This amount would have been generated as royalty if CM Siddaramaiah had conducted auctions. Additionally, the complainant charges that licenses were renewed for companies under investigation in a mining scam.

The complainant has urged the Governor to sanction prosecution against CM Siddaramaiah under the Prevention of Corruption Act (PCA) Sections 7, 9, 11, 12, and 15. The complainant has also requested the Governor to sanction prosecution under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Sections 59, 61, 42, 201, 227, 228, 229, 239, 314, 316 (5), 318 (1), 319, 322, 324 (2), (3), 335, 336, 338, and 340.

Gowda had previously filed a complaint with the Karnataka Lokayukta regarding the case. This time, the complainant said that documentary proof had been provided along with the complaint to the Governor.

This development is seen as a setback for CM Siddaramaiah, who is already facing trial in the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) case. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has opposed the Karnataka Lokayukta's closure report in the MUDA scam case in court.

Reader Comments

P
Priya K.
Serious allegations if true! ₹500 crore is no small amount. Hope the Governor ensures a fair investigation without political interference. The mining sector needs transparency.
R
Rahul M.
Another day, another corruption charge against politicians. When will this stop? 😤 We need stronger systems to prevent these scams before they happen.
S
Sanjay T.
The article mentions "documentary proof" - that's crucial. Too often these cases rely on hearsay. If there's solid evidence, let's see it come out in court.
A
Anita P.
Respectfully, I think we should wait for the legal process before jumping to conclusions. The timing seems suspicious with elections coming up. 🤔
V
Vikram J.
The article could provide more context about why auctions weren't conducted. Was there a valid policy reason? Or was it purely discretionary? More details would help readers judge better.
N
Neha R.
₹5000 crore loss to the state is heartbreaking 💔 That's money that could have built schools, hospitals, and roads. If proven, those responsible must face consequences.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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Tags:
Karnataka Politics Siddaramaiah Mining Scam Corruption Allegations Thaawarchand Gehlot Ramamurthy Gowda
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