Lokayukta raid uncovers crores worth assets of drug controller official in Mangaluru

Mangaluru : In a major crackdown on alleged corruption, Lokayukta police conducted simultaneous raids on properties linked to Assistant Drug Controller Babu B.N., uncovering assets worth crores that are suspected to be disproportionate to his known sources of income.

Babu B.N., who was serving in the Regional Deputy Drug Controller’s office in Mangaluru, is facing serious allegations of amassing wealth illegally. Acting on credible information, Lokayukta officials launched coordinated searches across multiple locations connected to the accused.

The operation was carried out under the supervision of Superintendent of Police B.P. Dinesh Kumar. As many as six Lokayukta teams were deployed to conduct raids in Bagepalli town of Chikkaballapur district, Bengaluru, and Mangaluru. The searches covered residential houses, commercial establishments, flats, and office premises linked to the officer.

According to official sources, the raids revealed assets estimated to be worth around ₹3.37 crore, believed to be disproportionate to the officer’s income. “Preliminary findings indicate a significant gap between the known income and the assets identified during the searches,” a Lokayukta official said.

During the search at his Bengaluru residence, officials reportedly recovered gold and silver ornaments along with cash amounting to ₹23.64 lakh. Documents related to various movable and immovable properties were also seized for further scrutiny.

Investigators stated that the operation is part of an ongoing statewide drive to identify and act against corrupt public servants. “We have collected substantial evidence, including financial records and property documents. These will be thoroughly examined as part of the investigation,” an अधिकारी added.

Based on the findings, a case has been registered against Babu B.N. under relevant provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act. Officials have indicated that further investigation is underway to trace additional assets and verify whether any benami properties exist.

The Lokayukta has intensified its crackdown in recent weeks, conducting similar raids across Karnataka targeting officials suspected of corruption and illegal wealth accumulation. Authorities say such actions are aimed at ensuring accountability and transparency in public service.

“The التحقيق is still in progress, and more details are expected to emerge as we analyse the seized materials,” officials confirmed.

The case has once again highlighted concerns over corruption within government departments, with authorities reiterating their commitment to taking strict action against those found guilty.