Karnataka Lokayukta Seizes Over Rs 22 Crore in Disproportionate Assets from Seven Government Officers

Karnataka Lokayukta Seizes Over Rs 22 Crore

In a major crackdown against corruption, the Karnataka Lokayukta police conducted raids across multiple districts on Thursday, uncovering disproportionate assets worth Rs 22.7 crore linked to seven government officers. The operations targeted the officers’ residences, offices, and properties of their relatives, spanning over 35 locations in Bengaluru city, Bengaluru Rural, Tumakuru, Mangaluru, Vijayapura, and Yadgir districts.

Details of the Seized Assets

Among the officers investigated, Rajashekhara D, the Planning Director at Nirmithi Kendra, Tumakuru, was found to have the highest value of assets. His holdings included 12 sites, four houses, and four acres of land valued at Rs 3.89 crore, along with movable assets such as ornaments worth Rs 89.06 lakh and vehicles valued at Rs 37.92 lakh, totaling approximately Rs 5.74 crore.

Other notable seizures include:

• H R Nataraj, Legal Metrology Inspector at Bengaluru City Market-1 subdivision, possessing assets worth Rs 3.94 crore. His holdings comprise two sites, two houses, and nine acres of agricultural land valued at Rs 3.13 crore, along with movable assets including Rs 21 lakh in ornaments and Rs 1.50 lakh cash.

• Murali TV, Additional Director of Town Planning at the Bengaluru Development Authority, whose assets total Rs 3.47 crore. This includes three sites and three houses valued at Rs 3.16 crore, plus Rs 25.54 lakh in ornaments.

• Anantha Kumar, a second-division assistant at the Hosakote taluk office, Bengaluru Rural, whose assets worth Rs 1.96 crore include a house and five acres of land valued at Rs 1.51 crore.

• Manjunatha M R, Survey Supervisor at the Urban Property Ownership Record (UPOR) Office in Mangaluru, holding Rs 2.56 crore in assets. This includes nine sites and two houses worth Rs 2.31 crore.

• Renuka Satarle, former district manager at Dr BR Ambedkar Development Corporation Limited in Vijayapura, found with Rs 3.10 crore in assets, including three sites, two houses, and Rs 58.80 lakh in movable assets such as ornaments.

• Umakanth Halle, Tahsildar of Shahapura taluk in Yadgir district, whose assets are valued at Rs 1.98 crore, comprising two sites and two houses.

The Lokayukta’s Ongoing Fight Against Corruption

The Karnataka Lokayukta’s aggressive action underscores the state’s commitment to rooting out corruption within government ranks. Disproportionate assets cases often indicate misuse of power, embezzlement, or illegal accumulation of wealth, and these raids serve as a warning to officials abusing their positions.

With this significant recovery of illicit wealth, the Lokayukta sends a clear message that corruption will not be tolerated, and efforts to ensure accountability will continue unabated.

What’s Next?

The officers implicated in this case are likely to face detailed investigations, possible suspension, and legal proceedings under relevant anti-corruption laws. The Lokayukta police will scrutinize the sources of these assets and examine whether they align with the officers’ declared incomes.

The public and civil society groups have welcomed these actions, emphasizing that transparency and integrity in public service are crucial to building trust and ensuring efficient governance.

Conclusion

This latest action by the Karnataka Lokayukta demonstrates the vital role of vigilance bodies in maintaining governmental accountability. As the probe deepens, more details may emerge about how these disproportionate assets were amassed. The fight against corruption is critical for Karnataka’s progress, and such decisive steps are essential to uphold the rule of law and good governance.