Daijiworld Media Network – Bengaluru
Bengaluru, Mar 6: In a major crackdown on corruption, the Karnataka Lokayukta conducted simultaneous raids across seven districts on Thursday, targeting government officers suspected of amassing disproportionate assets.
Raids were carried out in Bengaluru, Kolar, Kalaburagi, Davanagere, Tumakuru, Bagalkot, and Vijayapura districts. Sources revealed that residences and properties of eight government officials were searched.
In Davanagere, Lokayukta Superintendent of Police (SP) Kavalapure led a raid at the house and office of a food safety officer in Nijalingappa Layout. Searches were conducted at five locations connected to him, uncovering significant amounts of gold jewellery and valuables.
Kalaburagi witnessed a raid on the residence and properties of a PWD chief engineer, leading to the seizure of property documents worth crores. Investigations revealed he owned over 60 acres of land in Aland, Tavaragere, and Basavakalyan. Gold and other valuables were also recovered. The raid, led by SP Umesh, extended to his office in Bengaluru and his native place, Dhannur in Bidar. Officials are also examining bank lockers held by his family members.
In Bengaluru, properties linked to a chief engineer and an executive engineer of the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) were raided. The Lokayukta also searched three locations associated with an Assistant Executive Engineer of Bengaluru Electricity Supply Company (BESCOM), discovering property documents worth crores. The officer reportedly owns six acres in Kollegal and multiple properties in Bengaluru.
Raids were also conducted at the Tumakuru Government Hospital, where the residence of a doctor was searched. In Bilagi, Bagalkot district, the Lokayukta targeted the residence and office of a PWD First Division Clerk (FDC).
The Lokayukta is yet to issue an official statement on the outcomes of the raids.