Overview

• Lokayukta officials on August 1 uncovered over Rs 30 crore in assets at former KRIDL clerk Kalakappa Nidagundi’s home, despite his ₹15,000 monthly salary.
• Investigators allege Nidagundi and ex-engineer Z. M. Chincholkar fabricated bills for 96 incomplete rural infrastructure projects to misappropriate Rs 72 crore.
• Authorities seized 24 houses, four land plots, 40 acres of farmland, 350 grams of gold, 1.5 kilograms of silver and four vehicles, many registered in benami names.
• The operation follows a series of statewide raids since late May that exposed disproportionate assets among IAS officers, engineers and municipal officials.
• Koppal MLA K. Raghavendra Hitnal affirmed that the state government will conduct a thorough inquiry with appropriate action promised against those found guilty.