Why Did the K'taka Lokayukta Raid 10 Locations Linked to Housing Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan's Aide?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Bengaluru, Dec 24 (NationPress) In a significant operation, the Lokayukta officials executed raids at 10 locations across three districts in Karnataka on Wednesday. This action was prompted by allegations against Sardar Sarfaraz Khan, the Personal Assistant to State Minister for Housing and Waqf, Zameer Ahmed Khan, related to the accumulation of assets that are disproportionate to his known income sources.
A robust team of over 100 Lokayukta officials carried out simultaneous searches in Bengaluru, Madikeri, and Mysuru districts.
In Bengaluru, investigations focused on Sarfaraz Khan's residence in the Halasuru area, along with six other properties scattered throughout the city.
The operatives also targeted two coffee estates in Madikeri district.
Additionally, a resort in H.D. Kote taluk of Mysuru district, reportedly owned by Sarfaraz Khan, was also scrutinized.
Sarfaraz Khan is currently placed within the State Housing Department.
This operation was initiated following a formal complaint lodged with the Lokayukta Police. Further updates are forthcoming.
In a related incident, on the same day, the Lokayukta Police apprehended an Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) for allegedly soliciting and accepting a bribe at his office located in Malleswaram, Bengaluru.
The officer, identified as Krishnamurthy, serves as the ACP for the Malleswaram subdivision. Reports indicate that ACP Krishnamurthy demanded a monthly bribe of Rs 32,000 from the owner of Sagar Hotel.
Faced with ongoing harassment, the hotel owner approached the Lokayukta Police to file a complaint.
Upon receiving the complaint, along with an audio recording of the bribe demand, the Lokayukta Police filed an FIR and set up a trap.
During the operation, when the hotel owner handed over Rs 30,000 to the ACP at his office, Lokayukta officials intervened and caught the officer in the act of accepting the bribe.
Following this operation, ACP Krishnamurthy was taken into custody for further investigation, with subsequent legal actions underway.