Lokayukta launches simultaneous raids across Karnataka; suspicious assets under scanner

Bengaluru: In a massive pre-dawn crackdown on allegedly corrupt government officials, the Karnataka Lokayukta on Tuesday conducted simultaneous raids at 10 locations across the state, targeting residences and offices of several officials accused of possessing assets disproportionate to their known sources of income.

Teams of Lokayukta police initiated searches at around 6 a.m., and operations continued through the morning. In Bengaluru (Electronic City), the residence and office of RTO Superintendent Kumaraswamy were searched.

In Mandya, the Lokayukta team raided City Municipal Council CAO Puttaswamy, while in Bidar, searches were conducted at the home of Krishna Upper Bank Project Chief Engineer Prem Singh. Multiple raids were also reported in Mysuru, including at the residence of Hootagalli CMC Revenue Inspector Ramaswamy C, and the house of PWD Assistant Engineer Girish D.M. in Madikeri, whose Mysuru residence was also examined.

In Dhara¬wad, searches targeted Karnataka University Associate Professor Subhash Chandra and Hoolikeri Veterinary Clinic Senior Inspector Satish. The crackdown extended to Shivamogga, where Lokayukta officials searched the premises of SIMS Medical College FDA Lakshmipathi C.N., and Haveri, where raids were conducted on Shekappa, Executive Engineer, Project Director’s Office.

A major operation unfolded in Davangere, where the home and properties of APMC Assistant Director J. Prabhu were raided at three locations — his residence at Anjaneya Badavane, a farmhouse in Doddaghattahalli, and his office. The searches were led by Lokayukta SP M.S. Kaulapore, with DySP Kalavati and Inspector Gurubasavaraj assisting.

Preliminary information indicates the raids were based on allegations of accumulation of illegal wealth. Officials are currently scrutinizing documents, property records and financial details. According to Lokayukta sources, more details will emerge after the completion of the scrutiny.

The large-scale operation has sent shockwaves across multiple government departments, with officials noting that this is one of the most widespread Lokayukta actions in recent months.

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