Lokayukta police conduct raids on officials over disproportionate assets, seize documents, gold and cash

BENGALURU: The Lokayukta police conducted raids in different parts of the state, targeting officials in disproportionate assets case, early on Wednesday.

In Bengaluru, raids were conducted on Pushpa D R, Additional Director, APMC, Praveen Srihari, Superintendent Engineer, KRIDL and PWD executive engineer Narendra. A total of 14 locations linked to the three officials were searched and inspected. More than 20 Lokayukta police personnel took part in the operation.

Officials called goldsmiths to the house to weigh the jewelry found on the premises. Lokayukta SP Shivaprakash Devaraj said, “We inspected PWD engineer Narendra’s house. Today, raids were conducted at the homes of three officials in connection with allegations of illegal asset accumulation. Fourteen locations linked to the three officials were raided and gold jewellery and cash have been recovered. We have called in goldsmiths to verify and examine them. We have also received some information from the public. The identity of those who provided information will be kept confidential”.

In Chitradurga district, raids were conducted at the residence of Prof. Shankar of the Horticulture University at Baburu village in Hiriyur taluk. The residence of RFO Duggappa was also raided. The raids were conducted following allegations of acquiring assets disproportionate to income. The operation was led by Lokayukta DySP Kalavati.

In Dharwad, the Lokayukta police raided the residence of Shivamogga ACF Kiran Angadi and searched the house. Kiran Angadi owns a house in Doddanayakanakoppa, Dharwad. He had earlier also worked in the Forest Department in Dharwad. Based on allegations of acquiring assets disproportionate to income, Shivamogga Lokayukta police also raided Kiran’s house and office in Shivamogga, as well as his Dharwad residence, and carried out inspections.

Additionally, searches were conducted at a farm and house in Dharwad city, a factory in Belur Industrial Area, and at the residence of Kiran’s brother. The raid was conducted under the leadership of Lokayukta SP Siddalingappa.

Kiran Angadi was transferred to Shivamogga a year ago from Dharwad after receiving a promotion. Lokayukta raids were also conducted at places where he had previously worked, including Dharwad.The ACF office is located near Alkoor Circle in Shivamogga city. The Research Division ACF office is located next to the Shivamogga Social Forestry Division ACF office.

Lokayukta police officials also conducted raids at the residence of Gescom AEE Amritrao Yelal in Jagruti Colony, Kalaburagi city, Basava Apartment, the GESCOM office in Kothambari Layout, and his house in Sulepet village, Chincholi taluk.

During the raid, Lokayukta police recovered several documents related to the illegal assets allegedly amassed by Amritrao. The raid was conducted under the leadership of Kalaburagi Lokayukta SP Siddaraju, and officials are continuing with the inspection.

Krishna Bhagya Jala Nigam Ltd. executive engineer Basanagouda was also raided by Lokayukta officials who conducted searches seven locations linked the officer including three houses, office, farm house, godown and a petrol bunk. The raids were conducted in HRB Layout, Raichur city and at Yaklaspur. The raid was conducted based on allegations of acquiring assets disproportionate to income.

The Lokayukta police found documents related to purchase of 30 acres of land on the banks of Krishna River near Jalalhalli in Devadurga taluk. Seven teams of Lokayukta officials from Ballari, Hospet, Koppal and Raichur districts were conducting the inspection.

Properties raided belonging to Basanagouda include a petrol bunk in his wife’s name on Raichur Bypass Road and a bar and restaurant and godown located next to it. More than 30 Lokayukta personnel took part in the raids.

Minor Irrigation Dept AEE Madhusudhan’s house in Saptagiri Layout, and his Tiptur sub-divisioin office were also searched. A complaint was filed with the Lokayukta against Madhusudan alleging illegal wealth accumulation. Based on this, the Lokayukta conducted the raid.