Why Did Karnataka Lokayukta Conduct Raids Across Four Districts?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Karnataka Lokayukta is actively investigating government corruption.
- Multiple districts are involved in the simultaneous raids.
- Officials are under scrutiny for disproportionate assets.
- Previous raids have revealed significant financial irregularities.
- Transparency and accountability in governance are crucial for public trust.
Bengaluru, Dec 23 (NationPress) On Tuesday, the Karnataka Lokayukta launched a series of synchronized raids targeting the homes and offices of various government officials in several districts of Karnataka, prompted by allegations of corruption and acquiring assets disproportionate to their declared income.
The coordinated operation spanned the districts of Bagalkote, Vijayapura, Karwar, and Raichur, with search activities ongoing at residences and offices linked to these officials.
In Bagalkote, Lokayukta officials focused their search on the home of the Project Director of the District Rural Development Agency (DRDA), with searches conducted both in Bagalkote town and Nargund in the adjacent Gadag district. Additionally, they examined the residence of an Assistant Director in the Agriculture Department located in Bagewadi.
The raid in Karwar involved the Chief Executive Officer’s residence in Siddapur, where officials scrutinized documents and records during their investigation.
In Raichur, inspections were carried out at the home of a retired woman Assistant Engineer.
Officials confirmed that these raids are part of an ongoing probe into claims of corruption. Further updates regarding the seizures and findings are expected as the investigations continue.
It is worth noting that earlier, on November 25, the Karnataka Lokayukta had conducted raids at ten different locations across the state, targeting officials accused of accumulating assets that are disproportionate to their officially stated income. The raids occurred in districts including Mandya, Bidar, Mysuru, Dharwad, Haveri, Bengaluru, Shivamogga, and Davanagere.
Furthermore, on November 7, surprise inspections were executed at six Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) in Bengaluru, following numerous public complaints. The locations raided included Yeshwanthpur, Rajajinagar, Jayanagar, Yelahanka, Kasturinagar, and KR Puram, revealing significant irregularities.
The Karnataka Lokayukta has seized assets worth Rs 381 crore in this ongoing disproportionate assets investigation, previously raiding 48 locations on October 14, including residences, offices, and properties associated with the accused officers and their families.