Udupi: Karnataka Lokayukta police conducted simultaneous inspections at six taluk offices across Udupi district on Thursday, August 27, focusing on pending files, delays in processing applications and complaints received from the public.
The raids were carried out at the taluk offices in Udupi, Kundapur, Kapu, Hebri, Karkala and Baindur. The Brahmavar taluk office was excluded as a Lokayukta inspection had reportedly been conducted there two months ago.
The teams remained at the respective offices through the day and examined pending files and petitions submitted by members of the public.
Investigation follows public complaint
The Karnataka Lokayukta had earlier registered a suo motu case following a public complaint and ordered an investigation into issues concerning the functioning of the taluk offices.
As part of the investigation, six Lokayukta teams were deployed to conduct simultaneous inspections across the district.
The exercise focused particularly on files that had remained pending at different stages and the reasons cited for delays in processing them.
Officials also examined complaint petitions submitted by the public and checked the status of applications handled by the revenue and other sections of the taluk offices.
The inspections were intended to determine whether there had been avoidable delays or negligence in the disposal of official files.
Large number of files found pending
The Lokayukta team that inspected the Hebri taluk office found a substantial number of files pending in different sections.
According to the information available, 40 files were pending at various stages in the RRT section.
As many as 531 files were pending under Section 94C, while 2,700 files were pending under Sections 53 and 57.
The team also found 27 files related to birth and death registrations pending at the office.
The Lokayukta police reportedly found that many of the files did not contain stated reasons explaining why their disposal had been delayed.
The absence of documented reasons for pending files raised concerns during the inspection, and the Lokayukta police are expected to include the details in their report to senior officials.
Disciplinary action may be recommended
The Lokayukta police said a report would be submitted to senior officials regarding the pending files and the circumstances surrounding the delays.
The report is expected to recommend disciplinary action against officials or staff members found responsible for unexplained delays, where applicable.
The inspection teams examined the movement and status of files to determine whether applications were being processed within the required period.
The action comes amid concerns raised by members of the public over delays in government offices and the need for greater accountability in the disposal of applications.
The Lokayukta teams also reportedly took several files into their custody as part of the investigation.
Further action is expected after the records are examined and the inspection findings are submitted to senior officials.
Retired soldiers’ land allotment examined
The Hebri taluk office also came under scrutiny over complaints related to land allotment for retired soldiers.
Following the complaints, DySP Halamurthy directed staff member Mahesh to provide information to the retired soldiers regarding the land allotment at the earliest and take necessary action.
The direction was issued during the inspection of the office.
The Lokayukta team is understood to have examined the relevant records and the status of the applications connected with the land allotment issue.
The matter is expected to be reviewed further as part of the overall investigation.
Brahmavar office excluded
The Brahmavar taluk office was not included in Thursday’s simultaneous raids.
According to the information available, the Lokayukta had conducted a raid at the office around two months ago. Hence, the office was excluded from the latest operation.
The remaining six taluk offices in Udupi district were inspected simultaneously.
The deployment included senior police officers from Udupi and neighbouring areas.
The teams reportedly comprised two Deputy Superintendents of Police from Udupi and Mangaluru, one police inspector from Udupi, four police inspectors from Mangaluru and one police inspector from Karwar.
The coordinated operation enabled the Lokayukta police to inspect multiple offices across the district on the same day.
Files and public petitions checked
During the inspections, officials reviewed pending files and applications as well as complaint petitions submitted by members of the public.
The exercise was not limited to a single department or category of application, with teams examining records maintained at the taluk offices and checking the progress of files at different stages.
The Lokayukta police are expected to scrutinise the records taken into custody and establish whether delays were justified or whether any lapses occurred in handling the files.
The findings could lead to further action against officials if violations or negligence are established.
The simultaneous inspections underline the Lokayukta’s focus on ensuring timely disposal of public applications and improving accountability in government offices.
Further action after report
The inspection teams are expected to compile their findings and submit them to senior officials.
The report will include details of pending files, unexplained delays and other issues identified during the inspections. Where responsibility is established, disciplinary action may be recommended.
The operation has also highlighted the importance of maintaining proper records and documenting reasons whenever official files cannot be disposed of within the prescribed time.
Lokayukta staff Nagesh Udupa, Nagaraj, Satish Handadi, Prasanna, Abdul Jalal and Sudeep were present during the inspections.
Further details on the outcome of the investigation and any action against officials are expected after the Lokayukta teams complete their scrutiny of the records.