In a major crackdown on corruption, the Karnataka Lokayukta Police on Tuesday seized properties and assets worth a staggering Rs 19.2 crore from four government officers accused of amassing wealth far beyond their legitimate sources of income. The simultaneous search operations spanned more than 17 locations across multiple districts, marking one of the significant anti-corruption actions in the state recently.
Statewide Raids Uncover Vast Wealth
The raids were meticulously coordinated, targeting the residences, offices, and even the houses of relatives of the accused officials. The operations were concentrated in the districts of Bagalkot, Vijayapura, Karwar, and Raichur. The haul from these searches was immense, including 93 acres of agricultural and other land, and jewellery and ornaments valued at Rs 1.37 crore. The total value of the seized movable and immovable assets underscored the scale of the alleged corruption.
During the operations, the police physically seized Rs 19.05 lakh in cash, jewellery worth Rs 1.37 crore, and vehicles valued at Rs 1.01 crore. The assets were deemed disproportionate to the known income of the four public servants, leading to the seizure.
Breakdown of Assets Recovered from Each Officer
The biggest individual haul was linked to Maruthi Yashwanth Malvi, the Chief Executive Officer of the Group of Kolsiri Co-operative Society in Siddapur, Uttara Kannada. Raids at four locations connected to him revealed assets worth Rs 9.89 crore. This portfolio included seven sites, four houses, and a commercial complex valued at Rs 9.17 crore, alongside cash, jewellery, and vehicles.
D Vijayalakshmi, an assistant executive engineer with the Rural Drinking Water Supply and Sanitary Department in Raichur's Sindhanur Sub-Division, was found in possession of assets worth Rs 4.09 crore. Searches at five locations uncovered 12 sites, two houses, and a vast tract of 73 acres of agricultural land, besides cash, ornaments, and bank balances.
The third officer, Mallappa Hanamanthappa Yarazari, who served as an assistant director in the agriculture department in Vijayapura's Basavana Bagewadi, had accumulated assets worth Rs 2.57 crore. His wealth included three sites, two houses, over 20 acres of land, Rs 14.42 lakh in cash, ornaments worth Rs 86.47 lakh, and several vehicles.
The fourth accused, Shamasundar Maruthi Kamble, the assistant secretary of the Bagalkot zilla panchayat, owned assets worth Rs 2.04 crore. These comprised 15 sites, three houses, and jewellery valued at Rs 28.26 lakh, among other movable properties.
A Strong Message Against Corruption
This large-scale operation by the Karnataka Lokayukta Police sends a strong message about the state's vigilance against corruption within its administrative machinery. The uncovering of such substantial assets, particularly large land holdings and high-value jewellery, from mid-level government officers highlights the ongoing challenges of graft. The case is expected to proceed with a detailed investigation into the sources of this disproportionate wealth, potentially leading to formal charges under the Prevention of Corruption Act. The action has been hailed as a significant step in the efforts to ensure accountability and integrity in public service.
