What prompted the Karnataka Lokayukta to raid 69 locations in connection to the Bidar Veterinary University scam?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Karnataka Lokayukta is conducting extensive raids related to a major scam.
- Raids are focused on 69 locations statewide, targeting university officials.
- Allegations include misappropriation of Rs 35 crore in funds.
- Investigations revealed Rs 22 crore misappropriated.
- Lokayukta aims to enhance transparency in public institutions.
Bidar (Karnataka), Sep 10 (NationPress) The Karnataka Lokayukta initiated raids at 69 locations statewide on Wednesday, targeting the Bidar KVAFSU scam.
Sources indicate that these operations are focused on the residences of university officials, staff, and various offices.
Currently, 24 locations in Bidar district, 31 locations in Bengaluru, two sites in Koppal, and two places in Chikkamagaluru are undergoing raids, along with locations in Hassan, Ramanagara, Kolar, Udupi, and other areas throughout the state.
The raids stem from a complaint regarding a Rs 35 crore scam involving the Karnataka Veterinary, Animal, and Fisheries University (KVAFSU). This complaint was filed in August 2021 by Venkat Reddy, a Bengaluru resident, at the Bidar Lokayukta office.
Investigations by the Lokayukta uncovered the misappropriation of Rs 22 crore.
Raids are being executed at the homes, offices, and business properties of university officials and staff who were in service in 2021. The operations are being led under the oversight of Lokayukta ADGP Manish Karbikar.
Allegations include the creation of fake bills for equipment and supplies, resulting in significant fund misappropriation. The Lokayukta investigators are examining documents and records obtained from various locations.
Further updates regarding the Lokayukta raids are anticipated soon, with an official statement from the Karnataka Lokayukta expected by day’s end.
The Karnataka Government established the Karnataka Veterinary, Animal and Fisheries Science to promote education, research, and the transfer of rural-oriented technologies in the fields of veterinary, animal, dairy, and fisheries sciences.
On July 30, the Lokayukta police executed search operations across Karnataka, targeting five government officials, seizing disproportionate assets worth Rs 24.4 crore. Following the complaints, multiple teams conducted raids at 25 locations in Bengaluru, Chitradurga, Hassan, and Chikkaballapura, confiscating properties that were disproportionate to the officials’ known income sources.