Udupi: Lokayukta police have carried out raids at the residence and properties linked to Excise Department District Officer T.M. Srinivas in connection with allegations that he possessed assets disproportionate to his known sources of income.
According to officials, the searches led to the discovery of assets worth ₹8.69 crore. The operation was conducted as part of an investigation initiated by the Karnataka Lokayukta police after a case was registered against the government officer.
Simultaneous raids at multiple locations
Officials said the Lokayukta police conducted simultaneous searches on March 11 at as many as 15 locations associated with the accused officer.
The searches covered his residence, office premises and properties linked to his relatives. The coordinated raids were carried out by multiple teams of Lokayukta officers who examined documents, valuables and other assets found during the operation.
Authorities stated that the action was taken after credible information suggested that the officer may have accumulated wealth disproportionate to his legitimate income as a government employee.
Immovable assets worth over ₹6.9 crore found
During the raids, Lokayukta officials reportedly discovered several immovable properties connected to the accused.
The assets included 11 sites, six residential houses and about 31 acres of agricultural land. The total value of these immovable properties has been estimated at ₹6,90,64,716.
Officials noted that these properties were located in different places and are currently being verified as part of the ongoing investigation.
Movable assets worth ₹2.66 crore seized
Apart from immovable properties, investigators also identified movable assets worth ₹2,66,90,001.
These included ₹3,95,941 in cash and gold jewellery valued at ₹1,47,50,506. Authorities also reported the seizure of vehicles worth ₹17,00,000 during the raids.
In addition, bank deposits amounting to ₹25,75,000 and other valuables worth ₹72,68,554 were identified during the search operation.
Officials said all the assets are being documented and examined to determine whether they were acquired through legitimate sources of income.
Total assets estimated at ₹8.69 crore
According to Lokayukta police, the combined value of the immovable and movable assets discovered during the raids amounts to ₹8,69,23,435.
Investigators will now verify the financial records and documents associated with the properties to determine whether they match the officer’s declared income and assets.
Investigation underway
Authorities stated that the investigation is ongoing and further action will be taken based on the evidence gathered during the raids.
Cases related to disproportionate assets are typically pursued after detailed scrutiny of property records, bank accounts, financial transactions and income declarations of the accused government official.
Lokayukta officials emphasised that strict action will be taken if it is confirmed that the assets were acquired through illegal means.
Conclusion
The raids conducted by Lokayukta police mark a significant step in the investigation into allegations of disproportionate assets against the excise department official.
Officials said further verification of property documents, bank records and financial details is underway. Based on the findings, additional legal proceedings may follow in accordance with anti-corruption laws.