Lokayukta Raids Four Karnataka Government Officials; Crores in Cash and Assets Unearthed
Bengaluru: In a major anti-corruption crackdown, the Karnataka Lokayukta on Thursday conducted simultaneous raids on four government officials across the state in connection with alleged disproportionate assets cases.
The early morning operations reportedly led to the seizure of crores of rupees in cash, gold, property documents, and other valuables, leaving even the investigating officers stunned.
The officials targeted in the raids include Purushottam Das Hegde, Chief Engineer of the Karnataka State Highway Development Project; H.M. Janardhan, Superintending Engineer with the Residential Educational Institutions Society; BESCOM engineer R.H. Arjun; and Somalingappa, President of the Dharwad District Government Employees’ Association and a Survey Department supervisor.
Lokayukta teams searched residences, offices, and properties linked to the accused, including those of close associates and friends. In Bengaluru’s Banashankari area, officers raided the lavish residence of Purushottam Das Hegde.
During the search, they reportedly found large quantities of cash, gold ornaments, property documents, and details of his role as trustee in two schools. Investigators also discovered that he owned multiple houses in Mysuru. Officials said a complete assessment of the seized assets is underway.
In a separate operation, Lokayukta officials from the Bengaluru Rural division raided the residence and other premises linked to H.M. Janardhan. At the house of his associate, Sujay Shetty, authorities reportedly recovered ₹1.70 crore in cash. The source of the money is currently under investigation.
Preliminary estimates suggest that Janardhan owns a site worth ₹12.77 lakh, three houses valued at ₹2.40 crore, 34 acres of agricultural land, gold worth ₹7 lakh, vehicles worth ₹20 lakh, and household items valued at ₹60 lakh.
The total value of his assets is estimated at ₹4.42 crore. Several documents and additional valuables recovered during the raid are being scrutinized.
In Davanagere, Lokayukta teams conducted searches at multiple locations linked to BESCOM civil engineer R.H. Arjun. Raids were carried out at his residence in Nittuvalli, his office, and a house in Shivamogga, where property documents, gold, and silver items were seized.
Similarly, raids were conducted at the residence and office of Somalingappa in Dharwad district, as well as at his house in Muragod, Belagavi district. Asset documents were taken into custody for further examination.
The coordinated raids mark a significant step in the Lokayukta’s ongoing efforts to combat corruption and disproportionate asset accumulation among public servants in Karnataka.
