HUBBALLI
Lokayukta officials conducted surprise raids on all 12 zonal offices of the Hubballi-Dharwad Municipal Corporation on Friday following complaints about delays in e-property transfers and land record processing. Officials said the raids were launched after several allegations that public services were being delayed unless money was paid.
The operation was carried out under the leadership of Lokayukta Superintendent of Police Siddalingappa S T. Separate teams inspected records and documents related to e-assets and property transfer applications. According to complaints, citizens had alleged that approvals were delayed unnecessarily and files moved only after bribes were paid.
Officials examined records, pending files, and transaction details during the inspections. The raids were aimed at identifying irregularities in processing public documents and ensuring transparency in municipal administration.
In a related development, Lokayukta officials also raided Zone One office of Davangere City Corporation at Rajiv Gandhi Badavane on Thursday. The inspection was led by DySP Kalavati and CPI Gurubasavaraj following allegations that officials were collecting excessive money from citizens for public services.
During the raid, officers questioned staff members about property records, pending applications, salaries, and financial transactions. Bank account details of employees were also checked after officials reportedly found transactions higher than expected income levels.
Sources said Lokayukta officers warned some staff members for failing to provide proper explanations regarding their financial records. Information was also collected from the zonal commissioner and other officials during the inspection.
Authorities stated that the raids were conducted based on public complaints and intelligence inputs regarding possible corruption and misuse of authority in municipal offices. Further verification of documents and financial records is currently underway as part of the ongoing investigation by Lokayukta officials.