Assets Worth over Rs 7 Cr Seized in Lokayukta Raids

Bangalore, Sep 30 (PTI): The Lokayukta police today raided the residences of five government officials, unearthing disproportionate assets worth over Rs seven crore, and later arrested them.

Three separate teams conducted searches at three places in the city and one each in Bagalkot and Bhadravati towns.

"All the five have been arrested and will be produced before a court later," Lokayukta ADGP J V Gaonkar told reporters adding the action came after credible information.

T Sriram, Executive Engineer of Bangalore Water Supply and Sewarage Board has assets worth over Rs 2.17 crore. Among valuables seized were 30 grams of platinum and bank balance of Rs 42 lakh as well as four houses and a flat, he said.

According to Gaonkar, S M Ramakrishna, Additional Chief Engineer BWSSB had assets worth Rs 1.25 crore, including two houses in the city. Ramalingaiah, AEE in PWD owned assets and cash worth Rs 1.17 crore, he said.

Lakshman Shivappa Goundi, head clerk in Food and Civil Supplies Department, Bagalkot, had amassed assets worth Rs 1.19 crore besides owning 10 acres of agricultural land along with two houses and three cars, Gaonkar said.

S Ramakrishnappa, also an AEE in Minor Irrigation Sub Division in Shimoga owns assets worth Rs 1.26 crore including 10 acres of farm land and 2.5 kg gold, Gaonkar added.