Bengaluru, 29 July

The State Lokayukta launched a series of raids on Tuesday at several locations linked to five government officials accused of possessing assets disproportionate to their known income sources.

Among those targeted were Jayanna R, Executive Engineer of NHAI in Hassan; Anjaneya Murthy M, Junior Engineer in the Rural Drinking Water and Sanitation Department, Chikkabalapura; Dr Venkatesh, Taluk Health Officer in Hiriyur, Chitradurga; N Venkatesh, BBMP Revenue Officer, Bengaluru; and K Om Prakash, Senior Assistant Horticulture Director at the BDA Head Office in Bengaluru.

The Lokayukta officials noted the opulence of Venkatesh's residence in the City during their investigations. This follows recent raids that uncovered substantial assets at the homes of officials, including gold, cash, and luxury items.

A raid on Sunil Kumar, an Executive Engineer in the Health and Family Welfare Department, revealed excessive wealth in Kalaburagi.

Lokayukta officials are rigorously scrutinising the documents found during these operations. "These actions are part of a broader investigation into misuse of official positions," officials stated, emphasising their commitment to tackling corruption in the State.