The Bengaluru Lokayukta police have unearthed a significant case of alleged corruption involving a government official. In a major operation, they conducted simultaneous raids on the residence and office of a survey supervisor working with the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA). The searches revealed assets worth a staggering Rs 1.53 crore, far exceeding his known sources of income.
Simultaneous Raids Reveal Unexplained Wealth
Acting on credible information about the official amassing wealth disproportionate to his income, the Lokayukta's police wing sprang into action. On a recent Thursday, teams raided two key locations: the official's residence in Kothanur, Bengaluru, and his office premises. The meticulous search operation lasted several hours and yielded concrete evidence of unexplained affluence.
The seized assets paint a picture of substantial wealth. Investigators recovered Rs 21.50 lakh in cash, a significant amount of physical money. Beyond liquid cash, the raid uncovered investments in the form of gold and silver jewellery weighing over 2 kg. The official also held substantial funds in various bank accounts and post office schemes.
Property Holdings and Case Registration
Further deepening the case, the Lokayukta discovered that the BDA survey supervisor owned multiple properties. The investigation confirmed his ownership of three sites and a house. When the total value of all seized and identified assets—including cash, jewellery, bank balances, and property—was calculated, it amounted to approximately Rs 1.53 crore.
Given the vast disparity between the official's legitimate earnings and the assets found, the Lokayukta police have taken formal legal action. A case has been registered against the official under the stringent Prevention of Corruption Act. The specific section invoked pertains to the possession of assets disproportionate to one's known income, a serious offence under Indian anti-corruption law.
Ongoing Investigation and Broader Implications
The case is now under active and detailed investigation. Lokayukta officials are delving into the finer details to trace the origins of the wealth and uncover any potential misconduct or abuse of power linked to the official's position within the BDA. The Bangalore Development Authority is a key urban planning body, and such allegations against its personnel raise concerns about governance and integrity in public institutions.
This raid is part of the Lokayukta's continued vigilance against corruption in Karnataka's administration. It sends a strong message about the scrutiny public servants face regarding their finances. The outcome of this probe is awaited, as it will determine the legal consequences for the accused official and potentially reveal systemic issues that allowed such accumulation of wealth.
