HD Kumaraswamy booked for threatening Lokayukta SIT Chief Probing illegal mining

HD Kumaraswamy’s Legal Troubles Deepen with New FIR for Threatening Officer

The Karnataka Police have registered an FIR against former Karnataka Chief Minister and Union Minister for Minister of Heavy Industries and Steel, HD Kumaraswamy and his son actor Nikhil on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, for allegedly threatening a senior police officer.

M Chandrasekhar, the head of the Lokayukta Special Investigation Team (SIT) investigating an illegal mining case involving Kumaraswamy registered a complaint.

Allegations of Threats

According to the FIR, M Chandrasekhar, Inspector General of Police, accused Kumaraswamy threatened him to prevent him from carrying out his duties. Chandrasekhar stated, “The SIT, after preparing the investigation report and having found substantial evidence and material to prosecute the accused, had written to the Governor of Karnataka seeking sanction for prosecution against Kumaraswamy on November 21, 2023”.

Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy booked in illegal mining case, accused of allegedly threatening a senior police officer probing the case against him. The former Chief Minister slams Congress, says state government "cannot silence us"@PratibaRaman reports pic.twitter.com/PFsII4qna2

— NDTV (@ndtv) November 5, 2024

Illegal Mining Probe

The investigation pertains to allegations that Kumaraswamy, during his tenure as Karnataka Chief Minister from 2006 to 2008, illegally approved a 550-acre mining lease to Sri Sai Venkateswara Minerals (SSVM) in Bellary district. The SIT has reportedly gathered substantial evidence to support these claims.

Kumaraswamy’s Response

In response to the allegations, Kumaraswamy has denied any wrongdoing. He questioned the basis of the complaint, stating, “When did I threaten him? This is a baseless accusation aimed at tarnishing my reputation”. Kumaraswamy further added that the investigation is politically motivated and an attempt to derail his political career.

Political Reactions

The Karnataka Police have assured that the investigation will be conducted impartially. “We will ensure that the law takes its course and justice is served,” said a senior police official.

If found guilty of threatening a public servant, Kumaraswamy could face criminal charges under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).