In a significant anti-corruption operation, the Karnataka Lokayukta conducted simultaneous raids at multiple locations linked to an Assistant Director of the Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) in Davangere. The extensive searches revealed substantial evidence of disproportionate assets and unexplained wealth accumulation.
Widespread Raids Across Multiple Locations
The anti-corruption sleuths executed search warrants at six different premises connected to Assistant Director Basavaraj Guddad on Tuesday. The coordinated operation targeted properties in Davangere city and surrounding areas, including both residential and commercial establishments.
According to Lokayukta officials, the raids were conducted based on credible information about the government official amassing wealth beyond his known sources of income. The investigation team comprised senior officers and supporting staff who meticulously examined documents and records at each location.
Substantial Assets Uncovered
Preliminary findings from the raids have exposed significant financial irregularities. Investigators discovered documents pertaining to 14 valuable sites across the region that appear to be under the control of the accused official.
The search operations yielded evidence of substantial investments in real estate and other assets. Officials confirmed the seizure of financial documents worth approximately ₹2.5 crore, indicating massive wealth accumulation that cannot be justified by the official's legitimate income.
Additionally, the raid teams uncovered cash holdings totaling ₹3.5 lakh along with important bank records and property documents. The evidence suggests a pattern of systematic corruption and misuse of official position.
Ongoing Investigation and Legal Proceedings
The Lokayukta has initiated a comprehensive investigation into the disproportionate assets case. Forensic accounting experts are currently analyzing the seized documents to establish the full extent of the financial irregularities.
Legal proceedings are expected to follow once the investigation team completes its preliminary assessment. The case highlights the continuing efforts by Karnataka's anti-corruption agency to combat graft among public officials, particularly those in positions that interface with agricultural markets and farmers.
This operation represents one of several recent actions by the Lokayukta targeting officials in the agricultural marketing sector, indicating a focused approach to addressing corruption in departments that significantly impact rural economy and farming communities.
