The Hindu : National : Three Karnataka officials in Lok Ayukta net

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Sunday, Jun 25, 2006

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National

Three Karnataka officials in Lok Ayukta net

Staff Reporter

Their total unaccounted wealth may touch Rs. 25 crore: Venkatachala

Bangalore: A village accountant with assets worth Rs. 4.77 crore, an assistant secretary of the Karnataka Industrial Area Development Board (KIADB) with assets of Rs. 6 crore and a deputy superintendent of excise with property of Rs. 8 crore were "high net worth" civil servants caught by the Lok Ayukta here on Saturday.

With the officials' residences still being searched, the total unaccounted wealth may amount to Rs. 25 crore, Lok Ayukta N. Venkatachala told reporters.

The village accountant joined government service in 1979 as a clerk and his present salary is Rs. 14,000. He owns two houses, six acres of agricultural land and an expensive sports car. Gold and silver articles worth Rs. 2 lakh were found in his house. During the raid Rs. 6.5 lakh cash in a gunny bag was also recovered.

The KIADB official was found to have two buildings. His other properties include 12.5 acres of agricultural land and a house site. His bank balance and cash was estimated at Rs. 96,000, Lok Ayukta officials said. Gold and silver articles worth Rs. 13 lakh were also found in his possession.

The excise officer joined service in 1983 and was suspended after the hooch tragedy in Nelamangala last year and later reinstated.

He owns four houses here and three house sites. His other assets include 10 acres of agricultural land, bank deposits totalling Rs. 20 lakh, bonds and shares worth about Rs. 7 lakh, cash and bank balances of Rs. 3 lakh.

Mr. Venkatachala said the three officials against whom cases were registered under the Prevention of Corruption Act would be produced before the sessions judges.

"The process of investigation into disproportionate assets is being streamlined for faster action and the investigations will be closely monitored," he added.

The Lok Ayukta may soon have its own vigilance cell to collect information about civil servants suspected of possessing assets disproportionate to their known sources of income.

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