Are Karnataka Lokayukta Raids Targeting Senior Bureaucrats?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Karnataka Lokayukta is conducting significant raids against public officials.
- Raids span across five districts, including Bengaluru and Mysuru.
- Officials are accused of amassing disproportionate assets.
- Previous raids uncovered substantial assets, indicating systemic corruption.
- This reflects ongoing efforts to enhance accountability in governance.
Bengaluru, July 23 (NationPress) The Karnataka Lokayukta has initiated raids at various sites across five districts within the state, focusing on the homes and offices of an IAS officer along with several other government officials on Wednesday.
According to sources, the operations are currently taking place in Bengaluru, Mysuru, Koppal, Hubballi, and Ballari districts.
The searches come in response to allegations against these officials for purportedly accumulating disproportionate assets.
In Bengaluru, it has been confirmed that the home of an IAS officer located in the R.T. Nagar area is under scrutiny. This officer, who previously held the position of Special Deputy Commissioner of Bengaluru city, is accused of unlawfully transferring government land to private citizens.
In Mysuru, Lokayukta agents have targeted the residences of two officials. The properties of a Corporation Sub-Divisional Officer in Siddartha Layout and a Joint Director in the Department of Skill Development, located in Satagalli near J.P. Nagar, are being searched.
In Ballari, three properties affiliated with an officer from the Bengaluru Town and Rural Planning Department are under investigation. This officer, currently stationed in Bengaluru, faces accusations of amassing assets throughout the state.
Additionally, searches are being conducted at the residence of the Deputy Director associated with the District Industry and Commerce Department in Koppal. Ongoing investigations are also taking place in the Hubballi district.
More information is anticipated, and the Lokayukta has yet to release an official statement regarding these operations.
On June 24, the Karnataka Lokayukta executed search operations at 45 different locations statewide concerning allegations of disproportionate assets against eight government officials. Reports indicate that assets valued at Rs 34.90 crore were discovered during these raids.
Previously, on May 15, the Lokayukta raided over 35 locations linked to seven government officials in Bengaluru city, Bengaluru Rural, Tumakuru, Mangaluru, Vijayapura, and Yadgir districts, unveiling disproportionate assets worth Rs 22.7 crore.
Earlier, on January 31, the Lokayukta had executed raids in Bengaluru, Belagavi, Chitradurga, Raichur, and Bagalkot districts, related to seven cases involving officials accused of illegally acquiring assets.