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Journalism of Courage
Sources in the know told The Indian Express that the Governor had sought additional details almost nine months after the SIT had written to him seeking prosecution sanction against the JD(S) leader.
Kumaraswamy is accused of favouring Shree Sai Venkateshwara Minerals (SSVM) owing to his proximity to one Vinod Goel during his first stint as chief minister, from 2006 to 2008. Although 24 companies had applied for a mining lease, SSVM was unduly favoured and selected over the other companies, according to the SIT.
Though the Governor’s letter was dated July 29, the SIT received it only on August 8, according to the sources, who added that all clarifications sought were submitted to him on August 19.
According to the SIT’s request, submitted on November 11, 2023, prosecution sanction was sought under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, Prevention of Corruption Act and the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act. The SIT was formed on the basis of Karnataka Lokayukta reports of November 22, 2013, and June 6, 2017.
Earlier this week, Kumaraswamy said the Congress government was trying to threaten him by digging up old cases. He was also an accused in the Janthakal mining case, which was quashed by the Karnataka High Court.
In the SSVM case, Kumaraswamy has alleged that though the Supreme Court had issued directions on March 29, 2017, to complete the investigation within three months, the SIT had failed to do so.
