Karnataka Officials Uncover Over ₹30 Crore in Unaccounted Assets
In a significant crackdown on corruption, Karnataka's Lokayukta has uncovered over ₹30 crore in unaccounted assets belonging to a former clerk of KRIDL. The raid revealed an extensive portfolio of properties and valuables, raising serious questions about the integrity of public officials. Allegations of fraud involving over ₹72 crore have also surfaced against the clerk and a former engineer, who are accused of manipulating government funds through fake documentation. This investigation is part of a broader initiative to address corruption within the state's government, with multiple officials now under scrutiny. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
| Aug 1, 2025, 18:20 IST
Major Asset Discovery in Karnataka
On Friday, officials from the Lokayukta conducted a raid at the residence of Kalakappa Nidagundi, a former clerk of the Karnataka Rural Infrastructure Development Limited (KRIDL). They uncovered unaccounted assets valued at over ₹30 crore. Despite earning a modest monthly salary of ₹15,000, Nidagundi was found to possess 24 houses, four plots, and 40 acres of agricultural land. According to reports from a media channel, the authorities also seized four vehicles, 350 grams of gold, and 1.5 kilograms of silver during the operation. These assets were registered under the names of Nidagundi, his wife, and his brother-in-law.
Fraud Allegations Surface
Fraud Allegations Against Officials
Nidagundi and a former engineer at KRIDL, Z.M. Chincholkar, are accused of embezzling over ₹72 crore. They allegedly created fake documents for 96 incomplete infrastructure projects to misappropriate government funds.
Crackdown on Corrupt Officials
Increased Action Against Corruption
The Lokayukta has intensified its efforts against government officials suspected of holding assets beyond their known sources of income. On Tuesday, the agency searched properties linked to five government employees in Hassan, Chikkaballapura, Chitradurga, and Bengaluru.
Officials Under Investigation
Officials Being Investigated
The investigation includes:
Jayanna R, Executive Engineer, NHAI Division, Hassan
Anjaney Murthy M, Junior Engineer, Rural Drinking Water and Sanitation Department, Chikkaballapura
Dr. Venkatesh, Taluk Health Officer, Hiryur, Chitradurga
N. Venkatesh, Revenue Officer, BBMP Dasarahalli Sub-Division, Shettihalli, Bengaluru
K. Om Prakash, Senior Assistant Horticulture Director, BDA Headquarters, Bengaluru
Previously, on July 23, Lokayukta teams raided 41 locations linked to eight government officials, including an IAS officer, in a case of disproportionate assets. These raids took place across Bengaluru Urban, Mysuru, Tumakuru, Kalaburagi, Koppal, and Kodagu districts, resulting in the recovery of assets worth ₹37.42 crore.