Karnataka Lokayukta raids 53 locations in disproportionate assets probe against 10 officials
The Karnataka Lokayukta Police conducted simultaneous searches at more than 53 locations across the state on Wednesday in connection with disproportionate assets (DA) cases registered against 10 government officials. The searches targeted residences, offices, and properties of relatives of the accused officials in Bengaluru city, Chitradurga, Kalaburagi, Bengaluru South, Shivamogga, Raichur, and Tumakuru districts.
According to the Lokayukta Police, the operation uncovered immovable assets worth ₹37.95 crore and movable assets worth ₹11.88 crore, bringing the total value of assets traced to approximately ₹49.83 crore. The accused officials serve in various departments, and the cases were registered under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, which prohibits public servants from possessing assets disproportionate to their known sources of income.
The Karnataka Lokayukta is an anti-corruption ombudsman institution established under the Karnataka Lokayukta Act, 1984. It investigates allegations of corruption and misconduct against public servants, including elected representatives and government employees. The searches are part of ongoing investigations to determine the extent of disproportionate assets allegedly accumulated by the accused.
The Lokayukta Police stated that further investigation is underway to verify the financial records and sources of income of the officials. No arrests have been reported at this stage, and the accused have been given an opportunity to explain the sources of the assets. The raids follow complaints and preliminary inquiries that indicated significant disparities between the officials' known incomes and their acquired assets.
This operation is one of the largest by the Karnataka Lokayukta in recent months, reflecting the agency's continued focus on curbing corruption in the state administration. The searches were conducted by multiple teams of Lokayukta police officers, accompanied by local police and forensic experts. The details of the officials and the specific properties searched have not been disclosed to avoid compromising the investigation.
