Lokayukta Police conduct raids against 9 officials, assets worth Rs 35.65 crore unearthed

The Karnataka Lokayukta Police on Thursday conducted simultaneous searches at over 42 locations across the state in connection with disproportionate assets (DA) cases registered against nine government officers. Searches were carried out in Bengaluru, Mandya, Gadag, Mysuru, Vijayapura, Hassan and Yadgir districts. According to officials, assets worth a total of ₹35.65 crore were unearthed, including ₹24.05 crore in immovable properties and ₹11.59 crore in movable assets.

High drama in Hassan 

High drama ensued in Hassan when Lokayukta Police officials went to raid the residence of Sathyanarayana M.C., Assistant Executive Engineer (AEE), Hassan Mahanagara Palike, in Hassan. The officer allegedly locked himself up in his house and refused to open the door for the officials. As a result, the raids were delayed by over three hours on Thursday morning. Even as local police and Lokayukta Police were contemplating breaking open the door, Mr. Satyanarayana eventually opened the door after much persuasion.  

As raids began, the total value of disproportionate assets accumulated by the officer is estimated at ₹6.82 crore, allegedly amounting to 200.74% in excess of his known sources of income. However, the raids against the officer are still on and will continue on Friday as well, sources said. 

Bengaluru cases

Three officers in Bengaluru were raided on Thursday. Shashidhar R., CEO, Singanayakanahalli Raita Seva Sahakara Sangha, Yelahanka, was found to have a DA of ₹3.43 crore, Dr. H. C. Indresh, Associate Professor, Veterinary College, Hebbal, was found to have a DA of ₹1.88 crore and Vasanth Valappa Naik, Chief Engineer, K-SHIP, Public Works Department, was found to have a DA of ₹4.41 crore. 

Five other officials raided 

Asif Iqbal Khaleel, AEE and In-charge Executive Engineer, Karnataka Urban Water Supply and Drainage Board, Mysuru was raided and was to have an estimated DA of ₹6.89 crore, highest among the eight officers raided on Thursday. 

Sathish S., Assistant Executive Engineer, PWD, Mandya Sub-Division was raided and he was found to have an estimated DA of ₹3.01 crore. M. K. Surakod, Taluk Backward Classes Welfare Officer, Shirahatti, was raided and he was found to have an estimated DA of ₹1.82 crore. Prakash Irappa Ghodbale, Junior Engineer, KBJNL, Vijayapura was raided and was found to have an estimated DA of ₹4.60 crore. Veeresh Rudraiah Hiremat, Electrical Inspector, Yadgir, was raided and was found to have an estimated DA of ₹1.54 crore. 

Lokayukta officials said the searches were still in progress and that the valuation of assets is provisional. Further investigation is underway.