A former clerk of Karnataka Rural Infrastructure Development Limited (KRIDL), drawing a monthly salary of just Rs 15,000, was found in possession of assets worth nearly Rs 30 crore during a recent raid by the Karnataka Lokayukta.
According to an IANS report, the raid was conducted at multiple locations linked to Kalakappa Nidagundi in the Koppal district, including his residence.
Lokayukta officials uncovered that Nidagundi had amassed 24 houses, four plots, and 40 acres of agricultural land, registered under his name and those of his wife and brother. Additionally, authorities seized 350 grams of gold, 1.5 kg of silver jewellery, two cars, and two two-wheelers from his residence.
Fake bills, phantom projects behind Rs 72 crore fraud
As per Lokayukta officials, Nidagundi and Z M Chincholkar, a former engineer with KRIDL, are accused of misappropriating over Rs 72 crore by generating fake bills and documents linked to 96 government projects that were never executed.
The scam came to light after a complaint was filed with the Lokayukta and the court issued search orders.
Koppal MLA K Raghavendra Hitnal said the state government is taking the matter seriously and assured a comprehensive investigation to ensure appropriate action against those found guilty.
State-wide crackdown on corrupt officials
The raid was part of a broader anti-corruption drive by the Karnataka Lokayukta. Earlier on Tuesday, raids were also conducted at the premises of five government officials in Hassan, Chikkaballapura, Chitradurga, and Bengaluru, all accused of possessing assets disproportionate to their known sources of income.
Lokayukta officials said the clampdown will continue in an effort to weed out corruption from government departments.
(With inputs from IANS)
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