Karnataka Lokayukta Seeks Governor's Nod to Prosecute Congress MLA in Assets Case
The Karnataka Lokayukta police have requested Governor Thawarchand Gehlot's sanction to prosecute Congress MLA Zameer Ahmed Khan under the Prevention of Corruption Act. The move follows an investigation into allegations that Khan accumulated assets disproportionate to his known sources of income.
In a letter dated July 9, the Lokayukta police sought approval to file a chargesheet against Khan, who served as a minister in the previous Siddaramaiah government but was not included in the current cabinet led by Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar.
The case stems from a First Information Report (FIR) registered in 2021, alleging that Khan's assets exceeded his known income by 2,031 times. The Enforcement Directorate had provided information that the MLA held assets worth Rs 87.44 crore disproportionate to his legal earnings. The central agency had earlier written to the Karnataka Anti-Corruption Bureau, prompting further investigation by the Lokayukta police.
The governor's sanction is a mandatory legal requirement before prosecution under the Prevention of Corruption Act can proceed against a public servant. The process is ongoing, and no formal charges have been filed yet.
