Lokayukta Raids Pilikula, Uncovers Major Irregularities

In a surprise crackdown on Friday, a Karnataka Lokayukta team from the Mangaluru Division uncovered multiple irregularities at the Pilikula Development Authority premises, raising serious concerns about financial mismanagement and administrative neglect.

The inspection was spearheaded by Deputy Superintendents of Police Dr. Gana P Kumar and Suresh Kumar P, accompanied by Inspectors Bharathi G and Chandrashekar K N, along with their support staff.

One of the key findings was the failure to reinvest the considerable revenue generated by the Pilikula Zoo into its upkeep and development. Despite being a major attraction, the zoo has reportedly been neglected, with staff receiving meagre wages and no access to health benefits—highlighting a stark gap in employee welfare.

The Lokayukta team also noted that, in defiance of earlier directives, the transfer of zoo management to the forest department has been indefinitely delayed without proper explanation. Additionally, the authority has not recovered pending dues from certain organisations that occupy leased spaces within the campus.

Further scrutiny revealed inconsistencies in the tendering process, raising questions about transparency and fairness in awarding contracts.

Lokayukta officials collected crucial documents and evidence during the inspection. A comprehensive report is now being prepared for submission to the central Lokayukta office, according to Kumarachandra, in-charge SP of the Karnataka Lokayukta, Mangaluru Division.

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