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India.com
02-08-2025
- India.com
Clerk with Rs 15000 salary owns property worth Rs 30 crores, many houses, 40 acres of land and lot more; here's his story
(Image on left is for representational purpose only) New Delhi: A raid at the house of a former clerk in Karnataka has revealed immense wealth. The Lokayukta officials who conducted the raid say that they have found property worth Rs 30 crore at the former clerk's place. Who is the main accused in this fraud case? The main accused in this case has been identified as Kalakappa Nidagundi who used to work as a clerk in Karnataka Rural Infrastructure Development Limited (KRIDL) in Koppal city. It is alleged that Kalakappa Nidagundi and former KRIDL engineer ZM Chincholkar prepared fake documents for 96 incomplete projects and through this, they embezzled money worth more than Rs 72 crore. What was recovered by the Lokayukta officials? Even more shocking is that the officials also recovered papers of 24 residential properties, four plots and 40 acres of agricultural land. All this massive wealth and huge number of properties have been acquired while he was doing the job of a clerk with a monthly salary of Rs 15,000. According to India Today news, officials said that during the raid, 350 grams of gold, 1.5 kg of silver and four vehicles were also recovered from his residence. These included two cars and two two-wheelers. All these things were against the names of Kalakappa Nidagundi, his wife and his brother. How was the fraud uncovered? A complaint was registered with the Lokayukta regarding this. After this complaint, the court had ordered an investigation. Now, Lokayukta officials are raiding those government officials who are accused of earning more property than their income. According to NDTV, on July 23, officials searched the premises of eight officials including an IAS in this case and recovered property worth Rs 37.42 crore. These raids were conducted at 41 places related to officials posted in Bengaluru Urban, Mysuru, Tumkuru, Kalaburgi, Koppal and Kodagu districts. Koppal MLA K Raghavendra Hitnal said that the government is taking the issue seriously. He said that the government will ensure that a detailed investigation is done so that appropriate action can be taken.
The Hindu
01-08-2025
- The Hindu
₹15,000 monthly wages, but assets worth crores: Karnataka Lokayukta uncover massive corruption racket
In a startling revelation that has rocked Karnataka's anti-corruption establishment, the Lokayukta police have uncovered massive assets allegedly owned by a former outsourced worker who earned a modest ₹15,000 per month before being dismissed six months ago. The accused, Kalakappa Nidagundi, had been serving at the Karnataka Rural Infrastructure Development Limited (KRIDL) sub-divisional office in Nelogipura, Koppal, in an assistant role. On Friday (August 1, 2025), Lokayukta officials conducted raids on multiple properties linked to him as part of an ongoing investigation into a massive corruption racket involving fake bills, misuse of funds, and forgery of official signatures in connection with over 108 government projects. Searches held at six locations The raids were carried out under the supervision of Deputy Superintendent of Police (Lokayukta) Vasanth Kumar following a case registered at the Koppal Lokayukta police station under sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act and the Indian Penal Code, including criminal conspiracy, forgery, and cheating. Searches were conducted at six locations, including offices of KRIDL and residences of the accused. Though Kalakappa held a low-level position, investigators were stunned to discover that he and his family had amassed an astonishing array of properties. The list includes 24 residential buildings, four plots, and 40 acres of agricultural land. Further, officials found documents relating to multiple bank accounts, 350 grams of gold ornaments, 1.5 kilograms of silver jewellery, two motorcycles, and two cars. Several of the properties were registered not only in Kalakappa's name but also in the names of his wife, her brother, and his other relatives suggesting an elaborate web of benami transactions. Public funds for infra works siphoned off The investigation has revealed that during his tenure with KRIDL, Kalakappa, along with executive engineer Z.M. Chincholikar, allegedly manipulated project records to siphon off public funds meant for infrastructure works across Koppal district. These included construction and development of cement concrete roads, pilgrims' accommodations, drainage systems, solar lamp installations, toilets, hostels for boys and girls, Anganwadi centres, horticulture facilities, AYUSH hospital buildings, tourist amenities, viewing galleries, rest houses and other projects funded by departments such as the District Panchayat, Social Welfare, Women and Child Development, Minority Welfare, Agriculture, and the Tribal Welfare Corporation. Massive blow to exchequer Authorities allege that many of the projects were either never executed, left incomplete, or implemented without any approved project plans. The duo reportedly created fake utilisation bills and forged the signatures of senior officials to fabricate execution documents. Without securing either technical or administrative approvals, they managed to get more than ₹72 crore sanctioned and drawn, thereby causing a massive loss to the State exchequer. As part of the probe, Lokayukta teams also searched KRIDL offices in Koppal and seized several official records related to the suspicious works. These documents are now under scrutiny. Kalakappa, who was removed from service just six months ago, is believed to have continued manipulating systems and processes for personal gain even after his dismissal. The officials said that the further investigation was underway, and legal action would be initiated based on the findings.
The Hindu
01-08-2025
- The Hindu
₹15,000 monthly wages, but assets worth ₹100 crore: Karnataka Lokayukta uncover massive corruption racket
In a startling revelation that has rocked Karnataka's anti-corruption establishment, the Lokayukta police have uncovered assets worth over ₹100 crore allegedly owned by a former outsourced worker who earned a modest ₹15,000 per month before being dismissed six months ago. The accused, Kalakappa Nidagundi, had been serving at the Karnataka Rural Infrastructure Development Limited (KRIDL) sub-divisional office in Nelogipura, Koppal, in an assistant role. On Friday (August 1, 2025), Lokayukta officials conducted raids on multiple properties linked to him as part of an ongoing investigation into a massive corruption racket involving fake bills, misuse of funds, and forgery of official signatures in connection with over 108 government projects. Searches held at six locations The raids were carried out under the supervision of Deputy Superintendent of Police (Lokayukta) Vasanth Kumar following a case registered at the Koppal Lokayukta police station under sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act and the Indian Penal Code, including criminal conspiracy, forgery, and cheating. Searches were conducted at six locations, including offices of KRIDL and residences of the accused. Though Kalakappa held a low-level position, investigators were stunned to discover that he and his family had amassed an astonishing array of properties. The list includes 24 residential buildings, four plots, and 40 acres of agricultural land. Further, officials found documents relating to multiple bank accounts, 350 grams of gold ornaments, 1.5 kilograms of silver jewellery, two motorcycles, and two cars. Several of the properties were registered not only in Kalakappa's name but also in the names of his wife, her brother, and his other relatives suggesting an elaborate web of benami transactions. Public funds for infra works siphoned off The investigation has revealed that during his tenure with KRIDL, Kalakappa, along with executive engineer Z.M. Chincholikar, allegedly manipulated project records to siphon off public funds meant for infrastructure works across Koppal district. These included construction and development of cement concrete roads, pilgrims' accommodations, drainage systems, solar lamp installations, toilets, hostels for boys and girls, Anganwadi centres, horticulture facilities, AYUSH hospital buildings, tourist amenities, viewing galleries, rest houses and other projects funded by departments such as the District Panchayat, Social Welfare, Women and Child Development, Minority Welfare, Agriculture, and the Tribal Welfare Corporation. Massive blow to exchequer Authorities allege that many of the projects were either never executed, left incomplete, or implemented without any approved project plans. The duo reportedly created fake utilisation bills and forged the signatures of senior officials to fabricate execution documents. Without securing either technical or administrative approvals, they managed to get more than ₹72 crore sanctioned and drawn, thereby causing a massive loss to the State exchequer. As part of the probe, Lokayukta teams also searched KRIDL offices in Koppal and seized several official records related to the suspicious works. These documents are now under scrutiny. Kalakappa, who was removed from service just six months ago, is believed to have continued manipulating systems and processes for personal gain even after his dismissal. The officials said that the further investigation was underway, and legal action would be initiated based on the findings.
News18
01-08-2025
- Business
- News18
Salary Rs 15,000, Assets Worth Rs 30 Crore: Karnataka's Ex-Clerk Owns 24 Houses, 40-Acre Farm Land
Kalakappa Nidagundi and former KRIDL Engineer Z.M. Chincholkar are accused of misappropriating more than Rs 72 crore by creating fake documents and bills for 96 projects A former clerk at the Karnataka Rural Infrastructure Development Limited (KRIDL) in Koppal, Kalakappa Nidagundi, has been found to have amassed assets worth over Rs 30 crore, despite a modest monthly salary of Rs 15,000. The discovery was made during a raid by Lokayukta officials. The investigation revealed that Nidagundi, a former daily wage employee, possessed an astonishing amount of wealth, including 24 houses, 4 plots of land, and 40 acres of agricultural land. The assets were registered under his name, as well as the names of his wife and her brother. Authorities also seized 350 grams of gold, 1.5 kg of silver ornaments, and four vehicles, including two cars and two two-wheelers. Nidagundi and former KRIDL Engineer Z.M. Chincholkar are accused of misappropriating more than Rs 72 crore by creating fake documents and bills for 96 projects that were never completed. Following a complaint to the Lokayukta, officials conducted an inspection with a court order, leading to the shocking discovery of the extensive assets. Koppal MLA K Raghavendra Hitnal confirmed that the government is taking the matter seriously and will conduct a thorough investigation to take appropriate action. The authorities are trying to ascertain if he amassed this wealth out of corrupt practices during his service or through the fake bill scam he was involved in along with Chincholkar after his serviced ended. view comments First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
India Today
01-08-2025
- Business
- India Today
Raids on ex-Karnataka clerk unearth Rs 30 crore in assets, including 24 houses
A former clerk at the Karnataka Rural Infrastructure Development Limited (KRIDL) in Koppal district, Karnataka, has come under scrutiny after a raid by the Lokayukta unearthed assets worth over Rs 30 crore. The former employee, Kalakappa Nidagundi, had been working on a daily wage basis with a salary of Rs 15,000 per to Lokayukta officials, Nidagundi was found to be in possession of an enormous amount of property, including 24 residential houses, four land plots, and 40 acres of agricultural land. The properties were registered not only in his name but also under the names of his wife and her officials also seized 350 grams of gold jewellery, 1.5 kilograms of silver ornaments, and four vehicles, which included two cars and two two-wheelers. Nidagundi, along with former KRIDL engineer ZM Chincholkar, is accused of misappropriating more than Rs 72 crore by allegedly fabricating documents and generating fake bills for 96 infrastructure projects that were never discovery came following a complaint submitted to the Lokayukta, which prompted an inspection authorised by a court order. The investigation led to the uncovering of the extensive and disproportionate assets in Nidagundi's MLA K Raghavendra Hitnal stated that the government is treating the issue with due seriousness and will ensure a comprehensive inquiry is conducted so that appropriate action can be taken.- Ends IN THIS STORY#Karnataka
