Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (SP)

Bengaluru, Oct 7: Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) officials, who had raided the residences and offices of Karnataka Industrial Area Development Board chief development officer, T R Swamy, and engineering officer of Bengaluru Development Authority, N G Gowdayya, are alarmed as the size of the illegal wealth amassed by these officials.

Addressing a press conference here on Saturday October 6 evening, ACB inspector general of police, Chandrashekhar, stated that the officials were continuing with their investigation since the residences and offices of these two officials were raided. He said that the raids were conducted on the basis of information provided by the general public. "Since Friday evening, we have been receiving phone calls and e-mails about these two officials, but we cannot reveal their identities," he explained.

Chandrashekhar stated that during the raid on T R Swamy, eight houses, 11 sites, 14 acres of agricultural land, 1.6 kg gold, three cars and Rs 4.52 crore in cash were recovered. "When we conducted the raid, initially, Swamy made us to wait outside for 45 minutes before he opened the door of his house. We are checking the possibility of destruction evidence by him during this period. About obstructing officials from discharging their duties, we will initiate legal action later separately," he said. He revealed that the officer has a provision to explain about his sources of income, and wrong information will attract penal action. "Officials cannot escape by claiming agricultural income. We calculate agricultural income on the basis of guidelines," he clarified, adding that arrests would be necessary if the officials fail to provide proper information.

About Gowdayya's assets, Chandrashekhar said that as per documents seized, he and his family members own three houses, 14 apartments, and eight sites. "18.2 kg gold, 10 kg silver, three cars, three two-wheelers, Rs 77 lac in cash, and Rs 45 lac deposits in different banks were found," he stated.