In a major crackdown on alleged corruption, officials from the Karnataka Lokayukta conducted extensive simultaneous raids on Tuesday targeting a senior government engineer. The operation focused on Assistant Executive Engineer (AEE) D Vijayalakshmi of the Rural Development and Panchayat Raj (RDPR) department, stationed in Sindhanur, following serious complaints of amassing wealth far beyond her legitimate income.
Multi-District Operation Uncovers Vast Property Portfolio
Under the direct supervision of Raichur Lokayukta Superintendent of Police Satish Chitagubbi, a coordinated effort was launched. Five separate teams were formed, drawing personnel from the Lokayukta police units of Raichur, Koppal, and Ballari districts. Their target was the official's residence and linked assets.
The preliminary findings from the searches have revealed a staggering scale of holdings. Investigators documented a total of 49 properties linked to the accused and her family. The asset list includes extensive land holdings: 40 acres in Yadgir and another 5 acres on the outskirts of Raichur. The vehicle fleet comprised an Innova car, a Ford Classic, and three two-wheelers.
Luxury Residence and Financial Trails
A centerpiece of the discovered assets is the family's current residence in Raichur—an opulent G+3 storey building equipped with an elevator. Officials estimated that the value of this house alone exceeds ₹1 crore. Notably, an older property belonging to the accused sits adjacent to this luxurious new structure.
The financial investigation traced 8 bank accounts held in the names of Vijayalakshmi, her husband, son, and daughter. Substantial educational expenditures were identified, including an estimated ₹60 lakh officially allocated for her daughter's MD studies and over ₹20 lakh spent on her son's MBBS education. Evidence also pointed to the repayment of a hefty ₹90 lakh bank loan. A layout in Yadgir-B was among the properties listed.
Disproportionate Wealth and Ongoing Scrutiny
The core of the allegation is the vast mismatch between the official's known income and her accumulated wealth. One official provided a stark comparison, noting that if Vijayalakshmi's total salary over her entire service is around ₹1 crore, the value of her Raichur residence itself surpasses that amount. The accused, who has approximately one-and-a-half years of service remaining, was reportedly in Hubballi for her daughter-in-law's delivery during the raids and was instructed to return to Raichur immediately.
The probe is now expanding its scope. Lokayukta officials are examining the possibility that further assets may be registered under the names of Vijayalakshmi's sister, daughter, and other close relatives. A thorough inspection of gold jewellery, lockers found at the residence, and the identified bank accounts is still underway to determine the full extent of the disproportionate assets.
This case highlights the ongoing vigilance of the anti-corruption body in Karnataka and raises significant questions about the integrity of public service. The findings from these raids are expected to lead to formal legal proceedings under the Prevention of Corruption Act.
