The Lokayukta police conducted a large-scale search, continuing their relentless battle against corruption, against the assets of H.M. Janardhan, the Superintendent Engineer, Karnataka Residential Educational Institutions Society (KREIS). While on-site investigations were carried out at the engineer’s own properties, the biggest shock came from a luxury flat belonging to a close associate.
Rapid Interloper raids in Six Sites
The Bengaluru Rural Lokayukta police wing, with the backing of credible intelligence and a formal complaint for Disproportionate Assets (DA), was able to file a case against Janardhan. At this stage, six teams were set up by the Superintendent of Police (SP) to make raids on six places, including Janardhan’s house and his official building in Bengaluru.
The "Friend's Flat" Stash
The most heightened moment of the day came when officials stormed a flat owned by Janardhan’s close friend, Sujay Shetty. The officials, expecting to discover documents, were greeted instead with bundles of currency notes stacked up on the property. Cash, about ₹1.7 crore was recovered by the search of Shetty’s flat. Investigators say Janardhan had transferred the illicit wealth to his friend’s home to avoid detection during possible government audits or government raids. "We brought in note-counting machines as the huge amount of cash was disconcerting the raiding crew."
Wealth Beyond Means
Aside from the liquid cash, the Lokayukta teams reportedly confiscated:
- Documents: Papers related to several land holdings and luxury apartments across Karnataka.
- Gold and Valuables: Large amounts of gold jewelry and luxury watches.
- Luxury Cars: A fleet of high-priced vehicles parked in Janardhan’s residence is now being valued.
- Bank Assets: Several bank passbooks and fixed deposit receipts have been frozen for examination.
KREIS Projects Under Investigation
Janardhan, meanwhile, who previously was a Superintendent Engineer at KREIS, led the development and supervision of residential schools throughout the state. The Lokayukta is currently investigating if these ill-gotten gains are tied to kickbacks on infrastructure projects or grants to government tenders.
What Lies Ahead?
H.M. Janardhan and Sujay Shetty are expected to be summoned for harsh custodial interrogation to detail the reason for the ₹1.7 crore cash. “We are continuing to trace the paper trail of the assets. It is clear that the discrepancy between the officer’s legal income and his actual life is significant,” an official spokesperson said.
This raid is a cruel wake-up call to public servants, while also showing the Lokayukta’s reinvigorated enthusiasm to tidy up state departments. A detailed update about the total valuation of the confiscated assets is planned for late that evening.
