Karnataka's anti-corruption raids spill out gold, diamonds, watches and a BMW

Anti-Corruption Bureau found luxury items during a recent raid.  Four government officials were found to have disproportionate assets. The investigative officers are yet to find out how much wealth has been stashed away.

A series of raids were conducted across Karnataka yesterday, four targeting government officials for corruption. The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) found disproportionate assets on a scale and magnitude that was unprecedented. Officials who raided the offices and residences of the four government officials are yet to ascertain the exact amount of wealth accumulated by these officers.

During the raid, the investigative officials of the bureau found a large number luxury items, including gold and diamond jewellery worth several crores of rupees. In addition to this, US dollars, expensive foreign watches, imported liquor, high-end cars, several posh buildings, wads of rupees running into crores and demonetised notes were found.

The raids, which began early in the morning on May 10, extended into the night. Officials of the bureau carried out their search in Bengaluru, Ramanagara, Mysuru and Chikkamagaluru. One source told The New Indian Express that a government official, who worked as a superintendent with a monthly salary of Rs 80,000 owned a BMW, Fortuner and an Innova.

H Nagesh, director (transmission), Karnataka Power Transmission Corporation Ltd, was one among the four government officials who were found to have disproportionate assets.