The Karnataka Lokayukta carried out simultaneous raids early Wednesday across multiple locations in Bengaluru, Dharwad, Shivamogga and Raichur. The operation targeted government officials facing allegations of amassing assets disproportionate to their known sources of income.
In Bengaluru South district, Lokayukta officials raided the residence, office and other properties linked to the Kumbalagodu Panchayat Development Officer. Bengaluru South District Lokayukta Superintendent of Police Sneha led this particular operation.
Searches were carried out at three locations in Belagavadi village of Magadi taluk. These included the officer’s farmhouse, his brother’s residence and his nephew’s house. At the same time, raids were also conducted at four other locations across Bengaluru, where officials examined documents and other relevant records.
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Assistant conservator of forests targeted in Shivamogga and Dharwad
In a separate operation, the Lokayukta raided properties connected to the Assistant Conservator of Forests based in Shivamogga. Searches were carried out at his office in Shivamogga and his residence in Dharwad.
Officials also searched his luxury house located in the Doddanayakanakoppa locality of Dharwad. The officer reportedly owns a farmhouse on Alnavar Road and a factory in the industrial area, both of which were also covered during the search. The residence of his brother-in-law was among the additional locations searched.
This operation was led by Shivamogga Lokayukta Inspector Veerabasappa Kushalapura and Dharwad Lokayukta Superintendent of Police Siddalingappa. Searches were still continuing at all identified properties at the time of reporting.
KBJNL executive engineer investigated in Raichur
In Raichur district, Lokayukta officials conducted raids targeting a KBJNL Executive Engineer. Searches were carried out at his office, his residence in Chikkahonnakuni village of Devadurga taluk, and at the homes of his relatives.
Further details regarding this particular investigation were still awaited as searches continued.
Second round of raids this week
This marks the second major action by the Lokayukta within just two days. On Tuesday, July 7, Lokayukta police had already searched seven locations in Bengaluru linked to three different government officials, this time in connection with two separate criminal misconduct cases registered under the Prevention of Corruption Act.
Tuesday’s searches targeted three officials
Those searches, conducted based on court warrants, targeted M.K. Jagadish, Special Deputy Commissioner of Bengaluru, along with B.R. Manjunath, a Tahsildar, and Rajanikanth, a Shirastedar. All three faced allegations of criminal misconduct while carrying out their official duties.
According to Lokayukta Police, these officials allegedly wrongfully allotted more than 13 acres of government land at Hunasamaranahalli, located off the airport road, to private individuals. This action reportedly caused financial loss to the state exchequer.
Before registering this case, Lokayukta Police had obtained necessary permission from the state government under Section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption Act.