Karnataka Lokayukta raids target corrupt officials in Excise, Irrigation departments

The Karnataka Lokayukta conducted statewide raids at 25 locations, targeting four officials from various departments for alleged corruption. Key suspects include officials from Mines, Irrigation, Urban Development, and Excise departments. Raids uncovered evidence of fund misuse and unethical practices, intensifying anti-corruption efforts.

In a major crackdown on corruption, Karnataka Lokayukta officials raided the residences of government employees across 25 locations in the state early today. The raids were carried out following complaints about the illegal acquisition of property by officials.

The Lokayukta officials, who have been intensifying their fight against corruption, conducted searches in several districts, including Bengaluru, Mandya, and Mangalore. A recent complaint of corruption within the Excise Department prompted the raids. Among those targeted were officials from the Excise Department, the Irrigation Corporation, the Mines and Land Department, and the Town Planning Department.

Lokayukta seizes liquor bottles, marijuana packet covers during raid at Bengaluru's Excise office

Notable among the raids were the residences of Bengaluru’s Town Planning Director Thippeswamy, Excise Department SP Mohan, and Krishnaveni, a senior official from the Mines and Geology Department in Mangalore. The residence of Mahesh, Managing Director of the Kaveri Corporation, was also raided. Documents and records were seized from all locations for further investigation.

After ED raids, Lokayuktha targets corrupt officials residences’ across Karnataka

Under the leadership of Mandya Lokayukta SP Suresh Babu, the team conducted simultaneous raids on the properties of Mahesh Mane, MD of the Cauvery Irrigation Corporation. The raids targeted not just his residence but also his relatives’ homes. Authorities checked the property documents at his mother-in-law’s house in Dalvai Kodihalli.

The Lokayukta officials also raided a petrol station in the name of Mahesh’s wife, located near the KRS in Srirangapatna taluk, Mandya district. The police are now investigating the petrol station’s records and other documents as part of the ongoing probe into the illegal acquisition of property.