Lokayukta officials inspect Kanakapura TMC office over 2022 ACB raid case

Kanakapura: A team of Lokayukta officials conducted an inspection at the Kanakapura Town Municipal Council (TMC) office on Tuesday, revisiting matters linked to a 2022 Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) raid. The visit aimed to review documents and assess any ongoing irregularities related to the earlier case.

The inspection team, led by Lokayukta Inspector Sandeep Kumar, examined files across various departments within the TMC. In 2022, ACB officials had conducted a surprise raid at the same office following public complaints and had registered a case of alleged irregularities.

On Monday, Lokayukta officials resumed scrutiny by checking attendance records, RTI responses, birth and death registration files, and data entry processes. After the TMC inspection, the team also visited the taluk panchayat, survey department, and food and civil supplies department to assess the volume and handling of public grievances.

During the visit to the food department office, the team raised concerns over the presence of two individuals — a data entry operator and a security guard — reportedly working without formal appointments. Officials questioned how salaries were being disbursed to these employees.

Tahsildar Manjunath responded, explaining that the individuals had originally been hired on a contract basis. Although the government later withdrew their appointments, due to a staff shortage, the office had continued utilizing their services. He assured that corrective steps would be taken if any legal lapses were identified.

Lokayukta officials Ramya, Raghu, and Shivakumar were also part of the inspection team.