Karnataka Cabinet withdraws consent for CBI probes in state over alleged misuse of central agency

The Karnataka Cabinet on Thursday withdrew consent for any probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in the state. Law Minister HK Patil said that the action comes amid concerns in the state government over the alleged misuse of the central probe agency, and denied any relation to the CBI's MUDA scam case that has landed CM Siddaramaiah in deep trouble.

The veteran Congress leader further accused the CBI of being biased and denied any relation to

"We are withdrawing open consent for CBI investigation in the state. We are expressing our concerns about the misuse of the CBI. In all the cases we have referred to the CBI, they have not filed charge sheets, leaving many cases pending. They have also refused to investigate several cases we have sent. There are numerous such instances. They are biased. That’s why we are taking the decision. It's not because of the MUDA case. We have taken this decision to control them (CBI) from taking the wrong path," said the Karnataka law minister said.


The Karnataka High Court on Tuesday dismissed a petition filed by the chief minister challenging the approval given by Governor Taawarchand Gehlot for conducting a CBI investigation against him in the alleged illegalities in Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA).

In response, the CM said he was ready to fight the legal battle and face the investigation. "I said this yesterday and am repeating it now. There is no question of fearing investigation. I have decided to face it all," he said in his statement, adding that he would consult legal experts to plan a course of action.

Soon after the news of the special court's orders emerged, BJP activists tried to storm the CM's home office demanding his resignation - a possibility that has been repeatedly and vehemently denied by CM Siddaramaiah himself as well as Deputy CM DK Shivakumar.