The Karnataka Lokayukta conducted extensive raids in 55 locations across six districts in the state on Friday. These raids targeted the residences of several state officials as part of an ongoing crackdown on corruption.
According to ANI, "Lokayukta raids residence of 12 state officials - raids on the residence of 6 officials in Bangalore city - Raids on the residence of two officials in Bangalore Rural District - raids on the residence of two officials in Shimoga district - raid on the residence of one officer each in Yadagiri, Tumkur. 54 places belonging to officers were raided and records checked."
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According to the official, the raids were conducted in Bengaluru, Tumakuru, Shimoga, Yadgiri, and Kalaburgi. One of the municipal commissioners involved is stationed in a major coastal town in the state, as per officials, quoting PTI.
The raids targeted the premises of officials from various departments, including the Invest Karnataka Forum, Yadgir Zilla Panchayat, Veterinary Department in Hebbagodi, Labour Department, Commercial Taxes Department, Karnataka Industrial Area Development Board, Horticulture Department, Legal Metrology, and Bhadravati Gram Panchayat. Additionally, Mangaluru was also among the locations raided, as per the report.
These raids mark the second large-scale operation against government officials in Karnataka in just over a week. On July 11, Lokayukta officials conducted searches in nine districts, uncovering Rs 45.1 crore of disproportionate assets. Around 100 Lokayukta officers were involved in those searches, which took place at 56 locations in various districts, including Davanagere, Chitradurga, Kolar, Mandya, Kalaburagi, Mysore, Hassan, Belagavi, and Dharwad.