Lokayukta Raid Unearths Crorepati Assets of Karnataka Fisheries Official
A major Lokayukta operation targeting the residence and office of fisheries department deputy director Shivanna in Ballari has exposed alleged disproportionate assets valued at several crores, officials confirmed on Wednesday. This decisive action was initiated following more than 10 corruption complaints filed against the official, who has reportedly held the same position for nearly a decade, raising concerns about prolonged misconduct.
Simultaneous Searches Yield Substantial Evidence
Acting on credible intelligence, Lokayukta officials conducted coordinated raids on Tuesday at Shivanna's residence located on Hosapete Road, his office premises, and the government vehicle assigned to him. The intensive searches, spanning close to 12 hours, uncovered a significant volume of assets that appear to be far beyond his legitimate sources of income, prompting serious allegations of potential office misuse.
According to Lokayukta SP Vasudevaram, preliminary investigations have revealed that Shivanna owns approximately 44 acres of agricultural land distributed across various locations. Within Ballari city itself, he possesses as many as 14 residential sites and three well-furnished houses, indicating substantial property holdings. During the raid, officials recovered Rs 8.5 lakh in cash from his residence, while bank deposits totaling around Rs 20 lakh were identified, adding to the financial discrepancies.
Immovable and Movable Assets Seized
Beyond immovable properties, the Lokayukta team discovered about 600 grams of gold jewellery and three two-wheelers, further amplifying the scale of the alleged illicit accumulation. The total estimated value of these assets is believed to exceed his known income sources by over 120%, highlighting a stark imbalance that warrants thorough scrutiny.
Investigators suspect that a portion of these assets may have been acquired under the names of family members and close associates, suggesting a possible benami network designed to conceal ownership. Properties linked to relatives and aides are now under active investigation, with authorities aiming to unravel the full extent of this alleged corruption web.
Probe Expected to Expand in Coming Days
Officials have indicated that the total value of the seized assets is likely to increase as documents undergo verification and additional searches are conducted. The Lokayukta is poised to broaden the probe in the near future based on the evidence gathered, potentially implicating more individuals involved in this case.
This raid underscores ongoing efforts to combat corruption within government departments, particularly in Karnataka, where such high-profile cases draw significant public attention. The findings from this operation are expected to lead to formal charges and further legal action, reinforcing the importance of accountability in public service.
