Mangaluru: A surprise inspection by Karnataka Lokayukta officials from Mangaluru and Udupi divisions has exposed widespread administrative failures and alleged corruption within the Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC).
The inspection, led by DySP Dr. Gana P Kumar and a team of inspectors, covered major departments including revenue, health, engineering, accounts, and town planning. Conducted under a Lokayukta search warrant, the raid revealed glaring inefficiencies and possible misuse of office.
One of the most shocking discoveries was that a former health officer, retired for 15 years, was still functioning in the same role. In the revenue and planning sections, the team found middlemen operating freely. A broker was caught with ₹5 lakh in unaccounted cash, indicating deep-rooted corruption.
The health department showed multiple trade licence files pending on the MCC portal. Many businesses had neither renewed licences nor paid fees, showing lapses in enforcement.
The engineering department had outdated files and slow processing of public works. In the accounts section, delays in bill payments were flagged.
In town planning, building approvals were granted in violation of regulations. Some illegal constructions had received permits despite earlier demolition orders. Senior engineers and even the commissioner are suspected of playing a role in these irregular approvals.
In the underground drainage and stormwater sections, negligence was evident. Officials failed to act against illegal drainage connections, causing frequent overflows and health hazards in residential areas.
Many large apartment complexes lacked proper sewage treatment facilities but were still approved, risking environmental damage.
A report on the findings will be sent to the central Lokayukta office for further legal action.