India anti-corruption crackdown: Salary ₹15,000 but owns 24 houses, ₹300 million assets

Dubai: In a shocking case of suspected corruption, Indian anti-corruption agency Lokayukta officials raided the residence of Kalakappa Nidagundi, a former clerk at Karnataka Rural Infrastructure Development Limited (KRIDL), uncovering unaccounted assets valued at over ₹300 million (approximately $3.6 million).

The case has drawn widespread attention due to the stark contrast between Nidagundi’s modest monthly salary of just ₹15,000 (around $180) and the vast wealth amassed, raising serious questions about the origins of his fortune.

24 homes, 40 acres and gold: What was seized

During the raids conducted on Friday, officials seized 24 houses, four plots, and 40 acres of farmland linked to Nidagundi. In addition to immovable properties, four vehicles, 350 grams of gold, and 1.5 kilograms of silver were recovered.

The properties were registered not only in Nidagundi’s name but also in the names of his wife and her brother, suggesting attempts to conceal ownership.

During the search, officials found:

• 24 houses, 4 plots, 40 acres of farmland

• 4 vehicles, 350g gold, 1.5kg silver

• Properties registered in the names of his wife, and her brother

Allegations of a ₹720 million scam

The Lokayukta investigation revealed that Nidagundi and former KRIDL engineer ZM Chincholkar allegedly siphoned off more than ₹720 million (₹72 crore) by fabricating documents related to 96 incomplete projects. The case highlights systemic corruption within KRIDL and the misuse of public funds.

Wider crackdown on disproportionate assets

This raid is part of a broader operation by Karnataka Lokayukta targeting government officials accused of accumulating wealth disproportionate to their known income. Earlier this week, the Lokayukta conducted simultaneous searches at the homes and offices of five officials across Hassan, Chikkabalapura, Chitradurga, and Bengaluru, recovering assets worth over ₹244 million.

Among those investigated are engineers, health officers, and horticulture department officials. These coordinated raids uncovered immovable and movable assets including farmland, houses, cash, gold, vehicles, and fixed deposits, pointing to a pattern of illicit wealth accumulation.

High-profile raids reveal assets worth crores

On July 23, searches in premises linked to eight officials, including an IAS officer involved in the Bengaluru Suburban Railway Project, uncovered assets totaling ₹374 million. IAS officer Vasanthi Amar BV was found with properties, agricultural land, vehicles, and ornaments worth over ₹90 million.

The extensive probes spanned Bengaluru Urban, Mysuru, Tumakuru, Kalaburagi, Koppal, and Kodagu districts, uncovering evidence of disproportionate assets hidden through relatives and associates.

Investigations expose entrenched corruption

Recent raids on other officials such as Sunil Kumar, Executive Engineer in the Health Department, and Assistant Director of Town and Country Planning Maruthi Bagli further illustrate the widespread nature of the problem. Investigations are ongoing, with authorities meticulously scrutinising financial documents and property records.

The Karnataka Lokayukta’s crackdown is a significant step towards rooting out corruption at multiple levels of government, sending a strong message against the illegal accumulation of wealth by public servants. The outcome of these cases could set precedents for stricter enforcement and greater transparency in the state administration.

Timeline of recent Lokayukta raids

July 30, 2025 | Five government officials under the scanner

The Lokayukta raided 25 locations linked to:

• Omprakash, Senior Assistant Director of Horticulture, BDA
  N. Venkatesh, BBMP Revenue Officer, Bengaluru
  Jayanna R, Executive Engineer, NHAI Hassan
  Dr Venkatesh G, Taluk Health Officer, Chitradurga
  Anjaneya Murthy M, Junior Engineer, Chikkaballapur

Assets recovered: ₹244 million (₹24.44 crore), including gold, cash, vehicles, farmland, and luxury homes.

July 23, 2025 | Raids on IAS officer, 7 others

Lokayukta sleuths searched 41 properties across six districts, uncovering over ₹374 million (₹37.42 crore) in disproportionate wealth.

Notable name:

IAS officer Vasanthi Amar BV, linked to Bengaluru’s suburban railway project, was found with:

• 3 sites, 4 houses, 3 acres farmland

• Ornaments worth ₹1.2 million

• Vehicles worth ₹9 million

Earlier raids: Growing pattern of hidden wealth

• Executive Engineer Sunil Kumar (Health Department): Raided in Kalaburagi

• Planning official Maruthi Bagli (Bidar): Gold and cash seized

• Inspector DB Patil (Gadag): Seven properties raided for illegal assets

• Shivamogga AGO: Booked in disproportionate assets case