Rs 1.7 cr found during Lokayukta raids at govt engineer's friend's house
Bengaluru (PTI): A sum of Rs 1.70 crore was seized from the flat of a friend of a senior government engineer during Lokayukta raids conducted in connection with a disproportionate assets case in Karnataka, officials said on Thursday.
The recovery was made during searches linked to H M Janardhan, Superintendent Engineer in the Karnataka Residential Educational Institutions Society, against whom a case has been registered at the Bengaluru Rural Lokayukta Police Station based on information regarding alleged acquisition of assets disproportionate to his known sources of income.
ALSO READ: Lokayukta sleuths raid premises of four govt officials in Karnataka
"In connection with the disproportionate assets case registered against H M Janardhan, searches were conducted at six locations. During the search, cash amounting to Rs 1.70 crore was found at the flat of his friend, Sujay Shetty," a Lokayukta official said.
The official added that, "the search operation is continuing and further details are being ascertained."
Earlier in the day, Lokayukta sleuths carried out simultaneous searches at several premises linked to four government officers across Karnataka.
According to the Lokayukta, the raids targeted properties in Bengaluru, Davangere and Dharwad in connection with disproportionate assets case.
Officials under investigation include Janardhan and Arjun R H, Assistant Executive Engineer (Civil) in BESCOM, Davangere, among others.
A Lokayukta source said, "The searches are part of an ongoing probe into alleged irregularities and disproportionate assets. Relevant documents and materials are being examined." Further investigation is underway.
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Min. Priyank Kharge to expresses concern over implementation of VB-G Ram G
Bengaluru: Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Priyank Kharge has expressed concern over the uncertainty surrounding the implementation of the proposed VB-G Ram G scheme, stating that the MNREGA programme, which has been a lifeline for rural India for nearly two decades, appears to be facing an uncertain future.
Speaking to media, Kharge said that as March 31 draws to a close, there is no clarity on the rollout of the new scheme from April 1. He pointed out that the central government has not yet issued the necessary guidelines for implementing the scheme for rural workers and villages.
He criticised the Centre for its lack of preparedness, stating that there is no clarity on fund allocation, no final parameters for classifying gram panchayats, and key processes such as social audits have not been defined.
Kharge said the situation comes at a critical time, as summer marks a peak period for rural employment demand, when many people depend heavily on wage employment for their livelihood.
He added that reports have emerged of delays in approvals and families not receiving work despite demand.
He further alleged that the Centre’s move to shift from a statutory employment guarantee to a rule-based allocation system is already showing negative consequences.
Kharge also raised concerns over provisions such as a mandatory 60-day halt during agricultural seasons, which he said would further limit employment opportunities for rural workers.
The BJP-led central government had claimed that the new scheme would transform rural India, but in reality it is turning out to be detrimental to people’s livelihoods, he said.
“The crisis in rural India due to the stalling of MNREGA is beginning to unfold. Given the Centre’s past record in handling such situations, there is growing concern over the impact on rural livelihoods,” Kharge said.
