Bengaluru, 24 June

State Lokayukta executed extensive raids across multiple locations, targeting several government officials accused of amassing disproportionate wealth.

A surprise inspection led by officials from the Lokayukta’s Mangaluru and Udupi divisions revealed several administrative lapses and irregularities across key departments of the Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC).

In the revenue and town planning sections, the presence of middlemen was notably high. A broker was found in possession of Rs 5 lakh in unaccounted cash. An official who retired as health officer 15 years ago was found continuing in the same post

Raids were also conducted at offices and residences associated with the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), Chikkamagaluru Town Municipality, and Anekal Town Municipality, among others, spanning areas such as Bengaluru, Shivamogga, Chikkamagaluru, Anekal, Gadag, Dharwad, and Kalaburagi.

Among those targeted were Prakash, Assistant Engineer at BBMP Govindrajnagar; Dr S Pradeep, Associate Research Director of Organic Farming; and Latha Mani, Accounts Officer at Anekal Town Municipality. Additionally, the operation also focused on Dhruvaraj, Town Police Inspector at Gadag, and Ashok Vasanad, Chief Engineer in Belagavi.

Further investigations found lavish properties, including a luxurious bungalow owned by Vasanad in Dharwad, where gold and silver ornaments were discovered. The Lokayukta’s teams meticulously examined documents, property records, and cash holdings to uncover any financial irregularities linked to the officials' wealth.

Raids were also carried out on a police inspector in Gadag for alleged asset accumulation beyond his known income. Authorities continue to seek clarity on the findings from the raids, emphasising the ongoing battle against corruption in the state.