Lokayukta sleuths raid govt officers and engineers in disproportionate assets case in Karnataka
Bengaluru (PTI): Lokayukta sleuths on Thursday carried out raids in several places against 11 government officers and engineers in disproportionate assets case in Karnataka, Lokayukta sources said.
In an early morning operation, about 100 officials carried out raids in nine districts against government officers who are suspected to have accumulated disproportionate assets.
The Superintendents of the districts supervised the raids and carried out searches in 56 locations, the sources added.
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The Lokayukta sleuths raided the Kalaburagi residence of a Revenue Officer posted in Kengeri Division of Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike.
In Mandya, the raids were conducted at a residence of a retired executive engineer of the Rural Drinking Water and Sanitation Division and in Chitradurga, a chief engineer retiree from the Minor Irrigation Department, Bengaluru.
A Tehsildar in Kolar, Superintending Engineer, Executive Engineer and Assistant Executive Engineer were among those houses raided.
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History-sheeter shot dead in 'encounter', says police
Perambalur (Tamil Nadu) (PTI): A history-sheeter was shot dead in an encounter near Thirumanthurai in Perambalur district on Tuesday morning after he allegedly attacked a sub-inspector while trying to escape from custody, police said.
The deceased, identified as Kottu Raja alias Azhaguraja, was a prime suspect in the recent attack on another notorious criminal, Vellai Kali.
Inspector General (IG) of Police (Central Zone) V Balakrishnan provided a detailed account of the events leading to the encounter during a press briefing.
On January 24, a police escort team was transporting Vellai Kali from Dindigul to Chennai. While the team stopped for lunch, a gang of more than 10 people, including Azhaguraja, hurled country-made bombs at the vehicle.
"A policeman suffered multiple fractures and severe muscle injuries during this assault and is currently receiving advanced medical treatment in Coimbatore," the IG said.
Following the incident, an attempt to murder case and explosives-related charges were filed at the Mangalamedu police station. Five special teams were formed to track the suspects.
"Based on intelligence that the group was hiding in Ooty, police tracked and arrested Azhaguraja on Monday evening. Azhaguraja's extensive criminal history included more than five cases, featuring three murder charges, attempt to murder, and violations of the Arms Act," Balakrishnan said.
According to him, during interrogation, Azhaguraja claimed he had hidden weapons and country-made bombs near the Tiruchi-Chennai National Highway.
On Tuesday morning, the Mangalamedu Inspector took him to the site to recover the cache.
"Azhaguraja initially misled officers by taking them to several wrong locations. Upon reaching the actual spot, Raja suddenly hurled a country-made bomb at the police vehicle, causing significant damage.
"As the Kunnam Sub-Inspector tried to apprehend him, Azhaguraja used a hidden sharp-edged weapon to attack the SI’s hand. In response, the Mangalamedu Inspector fired his weapon, striking Azhaguraja in the head," Balakrishnan said.
As the 108 ambulance was delayed, police rushed Azhaguraja to the Perambalur Government General Hospital in their own vehicle, where he was declared dead, he added.
The injured SI is currently receiving treatment at a government hospital, the IG said.
"As per legal protocol, a magistrate inquiry is being conducted into the encounter, and the First Information Report has been forwarded to the court," he added.
