THE Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the Lokayukta sought the permission to register a charge sheet against Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy for “illegally” approving a mining lease to Sri Sai Venkateshwara Minerals (SSVM).
The SIT once again submitted the proposal to Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot on August 19.
Kumaraswamy is accused of granting a 550-acre mining lease to SSVM in Sandur, Ballari district, in violation of mining and mineral laws during his tenure as chief minister in 2007. The Lokayukta SIT is probing into the case based on the 2011 report submitted by then-Lokayukta Justice N Santosh Hegde on illegal mining.
As per the Lokayukta report, the director of mines and geology received 29 applications for mining lease on the land in Jog, Thimmappagudi, Bhavihalli, NEB Range, Sandur taluk. SSVM was the last to apply but was granted the lease on October 5, 2007.
On Nov 21, 2023, IGP M Chandrashekha, submitted a proposal to the Governor, seeking permission to file charge Kumaraswamy under various sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act, the Indian Penal Code and the Mines and Minerals Act. On August 8, the SIT received a letter from the Governor dated July 29, requesting some clarifications regarding the allegations against former chief minister Kumaraswamy.
