Bidar
Lokayukta police on Tuesday conducted searches at properties linked to retired Panchayat Raj Department engineer Chandrakant Kanakatte in a disproportionate assets case.
A team led by Bidar Lokayukta Police Officer Arjunappa carried out inspections at multiple commercial properties in Humnabad and Hallikhed. The raids were part of an ongoing investigation into allegations that the retired engineer had accumulated assets beyond his known sources of income.
According to Lokayukta sources, preliminary findings suggest that several properties and financial holdings are under scrutiny to verify their legality and origin. Officials examined documents, land records, and other financial materials during the search operations.
The investigation was initiated following complaints that Kanakatte had allegedly amassed wealth disproportionate to his official earnings during his tenure in the Panchayat Raj Department. Authorities are now working to trace the acquisition of assets and determine whether any procedural violations occurred.
Residents in the areas where searches were conducted reported early morning activity as Lokayukta teams arrived and began inspections. Officials have stated that further details will emerge only after a detailed analysis of the seized records and evidence.
The Lokayukta has intensified its focus on corruption-related cases across the district, with similar actions being taken in other parts of Karnataka as part of wider anti-corruption enforcement measures.
Officials confirmed that the investigation is still in progress and no conclusions have been drawn yet. Further action will depend on the outcome of the ongoing inquiry into the financial dealings and property records of the retired engineer.
Authorities reiterated their commitment to transparency and accountability in public service, stressing that any evidence of disproportionate assets will be dealt with under applicable anti-corruption laws.
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Lokayukta Raids Retired Engineer’s Properties in Kalaburagi
In a major anti-corruption action, the Karnataka Lokayukta conducted early-morning raids on properties linked to retired Panchayat Raj Department Superintendent Engineer Manik Kanakatti. Officials simultaneously searched five locations, including his residence in Godutai Nagar, Kalaburagi, two commercial complexes in Humnabad, a house in his native village, and a farmhouse in Hallikheda village of Bidar district.
The raids were carried out in connection with allegations of possession of assets disproportionate to known sources of income. Teams examined documents related to movable and immovable properties, financial records, and other financial transactions during the operation. The searches were supervised by Lokayukta SP Siddharaju, who coordinated the teams across all locations.
Officials said further details on the value of assets are yet to be disclosed. The Lokayukta will continue reviewing the seized documents before deciding on further legal action. The operation highlights ongoing efforts to curb corruption and illicit wealth accumulation among public servants in Karnataka.


