Karnataka Lokayukta Conducts Raids Targeting Government Officials in Seven Districts
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Synopsis
On March 6, Karnataka Lokayukta executed synchronized raids across seven districts targeting government officials amid allegations of corruption and asset misappropriation. The operation involved searches at residences and properties linked to multiple officials.
Key Takeaways
- Karnataka Lokayukta initiates raids across seven districts.
- Raids target government officials suspected of corruption.
- Substantial amounts of gold and valuables seized.
- Property documents linked to over 60 acres of land discovered.
- Further investigations are ongoing.
Bengaluru, March 6 (NationPress) The Karnataka Lokayukta initiated coordinated raids across seven districts on Thursday, targeting government officials in various roles. This action was prompted by information regarding the accumulation of disproportionate assets and corruption allegations.
The districts involved in the raids included Bengaluru, Kolar, Kalaburagi, Davanagere, Tumakuru, Bagalkot, and Vijayapura. Reports indicate that the raids were carried out at the residences and properties of eight officials.
In Davanagere city, a Food Safety Officer's house and office in Nijalingappa Layout were searched. The operation was led by Lokayukta Superintendent of Police (SP) Kavalapure, with raids occurring at five locations associated with this officer. Sources also noted that similar operations were underway in Ranibennur, situated in Haveri district.
A substantial amount of gold jewelry and other valuables were seized from the officer's residence, along with an ongoing search for property documents.
In Kalaburagi, the residence and assets of a Chief Engineer from the PWD were also raided, resulting in the confiscation of property documents valued at crores.
Sources reveal that this official possesses 30 acres of land in the Aland area and additional properties in Tavaragere village. Furthermore, it has been uncovered that he has properties in the Basavakalyan area of Bagalkot district, with documents for over 60 acres of land linked to his name.
A large cache of gold and other valuables was retrieved from his home, with the Lokayukta team, led by SP Umesh, executing searches concurrently at his office in Bengaluru and his hometown, Dhannur, located in Bidar district. Investigations have also identified bank lockers registered under his family members' names.
In Bengaluru, raids were conducted at the homes of a Chief Engineer and an Executive Engineer associated with the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP).
Additionally, properties linked to an Assistant Executive Engineer from the Bengaluru Electricity Supply Company (BESCOM) were searched across three locations. Reports indicate that property documents valued at crores were discovered, with the officer owning six acres in Kollegal, along with a house and two sites in Bengaluru.
In Tumakuru, a doctor affiliated with the Tumakuru Government Hospital was also subject to a raid. Meanwhile, in Bilagi town, Bagalkot district, the residence and office of a First Division Clerk (FDC) from the PWD department were searched.
As of now, an official statement regarding these raids from the Karnataka Lokayukta has not been released.
