The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Tuesday took over the erstwhile Mysore Urban Development Authority (MUDA) Commissioner Natesh has been taken into custody in connection with the case of alleged illegal allotment of plots in the MUDA scam, ANI reported.

The ED reportedly raided the residence of former MUDA commissioner Natesh on Tuesday as part of its probe into the MUDA scam. Following the raid, Natesh was questioned over alleged irregularities in the allocation of plots during his tenure. After the investigation, ED officials took him into custody and transported to their Shantinagar office for further questioning, the ANI report added.

Natesh faces allegations of improper allotment of 928 plots from the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) in a ratio of 50:50, including a plot for Parvathi, the wife of Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.

According to sources, Natesh defended his actions, telling ED officials that he had simply followed the government’s orders and had not committed any irregularities in the allotment process.

Earlier on Monday, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted searches at over half a dozen places in Mangalore, Bengaluru, Mandya and Mysuru in the money laundering case linked to the MUDA in Karnataka, sources said.

Searches are underway at a manufacturer, among other individuals.

(Also read: ED searches home and offices of Siddaramaiah’s close aide in MUDA case)

The move comes less than a week after the agency summoned for questioning six employees associated with the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) in Karnataka. The employees have been summoned in connection with the high-profile alleged scam on different dates for questioning, which will take place at the ED’s zonal office in Bangalore.

Those summoned were also asked to bring several documents related to the case. ED investigators are focusing on unearthing evidence and documents linked to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and several officials associated with him.

Notably, the ED applied in its case the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), allowing the agency to summon individuals for questioning and possibly seize assets during the course of the investigation. investigation.

Siddaramaiah has always denied the allegations, saying he was facing political persecution. Siddaramaiah said he would not resign, supported by his party leaders, despite constant demands from the BJP for him to step down as chief minister.

(Also read: ED raids are underway at several places in Karnataka in connection with MUDA ‘scam’ involving CM Siddaramaiah)

(With ANI entries)