Major Lokayukta Operation Targets KIMS Administrative Officer in Koppal District
In a significant anti-corruption operation, Karnataka State Lokayukta officials conducted coordinated early-morning raids on Friday at multiple locations associated with B Kallesh, the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) of the Karnataka Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS) in Koppal. The raids are part of an investigation into allegations that Kallesh has amassed assets disproportionate to his known sources of income.
Simultaneous Searches Across Six Key Locations
The extensive operation, led by Koppal Lokayukta DSP Lokesh with support from teams in Gadag, Haveri, and Raichur districts, targeted six different sites across Koppal district. These locations include:
- Kallesh's primary residence in Bhagyanagar, Koppal taluk
- His private office in the same area
- The residence of his mother-in-law
- A school and science college in Bhagyanagar
- His house in Chikkamannapur village, Yelburga taluk
More than thirty Lokayukta officials are meticulously examining documents related to property ownership, various income sources, bank transactions, and other financial records. Specific sites under scrutiny include the Navachethana School and College on Yathnatti Road, a cooperative bank, properties belonging to Kallesh's relatives, and his official office on the KIMS campus.
Background of Previous Controversies and Investigations
This is not the first time B Kallesh has faced official scrutiny. He was previously investigated in connection with the Valmiki Corporation scam, where he served as the ex-officio director of the corporation. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) named former minister B Nagendra as the prime accused in its charge sheet, while Kallesh was also implicated in the case.
Additionally, Kallesh was linked to allegations concerning the illegal transfer of approximately Rs 21.6 crore under the Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTG) scheme administered by the Scheduled Tribes Welfare Department. A substantial portion of these funds reportedly remains unaccounted for, raising serious questions about financial management.
Suspension, Reinstatement, and Ongoing Legal Proceedings
Following these controversies, Kallesh was suspended on June 22, 2024, for dereliction of duty after allegedly failing to submit utilisation certificates for grants released to the Maharshi Valmiki ST Development Corporation. However, his suspension was later revoked, and he was reinstated as CAO of KIMS, Koppal—a decision that drew criticism from opposition parties.
In a related development, Kallesh had filed a complaint against two ED officials in Bengaluru, accusing them of coercion during questioning. He subsequently withdrew this complaint, adding another layer to the complex legal landscape surrounding his case.
Awaiting Official Findings from the Raid
As the Lokayukta raids continue, officials have stated that detailed findings will be shared only after the operation concludes. The investigation represents a significant effort by Karnataka's anti-corruption body to address allegations of disproportionate assets among public officials, particularly in the healthcare administration sector.
The outcome of this high-profile raid could have substantial implications for governance and accountability in Karnataka's medical education and tribal welfare systems, highlighting ongoing challenges in ensuring transparency in public office.
