Bengaluru: A series of raids are currently underway across 48 different locations in Karnataka as directed by the Lokayukta. These raids, initiated in the early morning, are spanning areas such as Bengaluru, Bidar, Kodagu, Chitradurga, and Davanagere, among others.
According to sources within the Lokayukta, over 200 investigators are participating in these operations. In the state’s capital, Bengaluru, the Lokayukta is executing searches at 10 locations, linked to four First Information Reports (FIRs) against various officers.
One instance involves the Additional Superintendent of Police (SP) of Kodagu, Nanjunde Gowda, whose residence in Madikeri city has been subjected to searches. The raids have extended to his father-in-law’s residence in Makanahalli village near Periyapatna town, as well as the houses of his relatives in Mysuru city. Reports indicate that the Lokayukta team has discovered cash and documents during the operation at Gowda’s Madikeri residence.
The raid commenced at 4 a.m. and is being led by Lokayukta SP Suresh Babu. Additionally, the home of Santhosh Anishettar, an Assistant Commissioner of the Belagavi City Corporation, situated in Michigan Layout in Dharwad, was also subjected to scrutiny. Officers are diligently searching for essential documents. Anishettar formerly served at the Hubballi-Dharwad City Corporation.
Furthermore, the raids extended to the office and residence of Manjunath Bannikoppa, the Manager of the Nirmithi Centre in Koppal. Allegedly, Bannikoppa invested in a lodge located in Huligi town, which was also targeted during the operation.
Among the places searched, the residence of K.K. Raghupathy, the superintendent of the Planning Section for the Harangi dam, located in Vijayanagar fourth Stage in Mysuru, was also included. These extensive raids by the Lokayukta highlight a concerted effort to uncover potential irregularities and promote transparency in administrative and governmental matters.