Karnataka court rejects Yeddyurappa's petition to quash corruption cases against him

Bangalore, Jan 31 (ANI): A court on Tuesday dismissed the petition of former Karnataka chief minister B S Yeddyurappa, to quash criminal proceedings against him in connection with corruption cases.

Last year, the Karnatka Lokayukta court had issued summons to Yeddyurappa, while hearing the private complaints filed by advocate Sirajin Basha, for illegally de-notifying government land to benefit his kith and kin.

Yeddyurappa had moved the Karnataka High Court to cancel the Lokayukta court's summons against him.

"Three petitions were filed - two by Yeddyurappa and one by Hemachandra Sagar, who is a sitting MLA of the ruling party. The High Court has categorically dismissed these three petitions," said Nitin Kumar, a petitioner.

"The inquiry proceeding which are under way will continue. The date is 18th February, with this clearance, I think there will be no hindrance any more in the continuation of inquiry proceedings before the Lokayukta judge," added Kumar.

A few months ago, former Lokayukta Justice N Santosh Hegde had accused Yeddyurappa and several other key officials in mining graft that cost the state exchequer losses worth Rupees 160 billion between 2006 and 2010.

This resulted in Yeddyurappa's resignation from the post of chief minister. (ANI)