Karnataka clerk corruption came to light after Lokayukta officers raided the home of Kalakappa Nidagundi, a former clerk at Karnataka Rural Infrastructure Development Limited (KRIDL).
Despite drawing a monthly salary of just ₹15,000, Nidagundi is accused of amassing unaccounted assets worth more than ₹300 million.
Investigators say the 53 year old clerk and a former KRIDL engineer, Z. M. Chincholkar, allegedly diverted ₹720 million.
By submitting false paperwork for 96 unfinished projects.
The pair are under formal probe for criminal conspiracy, forgery, and offences under the Prevention of Corruption Act.
Karnataka clerk corruption: 24 homes, 40 acres, and hidden titles
Friday’s raids yielded a staggering haul: 24 houses, four plots, 40 acres of farmland, four cars, 350 g of gold, and 1.5 kg of silver.
Titles appeared not only in Nidagundi’s name but also in those of his wife and her brother.
An arrangement officials call an attempt to hide ownership.
Lokayukta sources say more properties may surface as teams sift bank records and land registries.
KRIDL has suspended several staff and promised full cooperation, while state auditors begin a parallel review of stalled rural projects.
The case has renewed calls for stricter checks on public works spending in Karnataka and sharper asset disclosures for even low ranking officials.
Lokayukta officers warn that systemic gaps; weak project oversight, delayed audits, and lax property tracking.
Enable small cadres to siphon millions over time.
For now, Nidagundi remains in custody as investigators trace money trails and prepare recovery orders.
The probe underscores how unchecked Karnataka clerk corruption can drain public funds.
Meant for rural infrastructure; until a surprise raid lays bare fortunes that far exceed a clerk’s payslip.
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