In a major operation led by Lokayukta officials uncovered rampant corruption within the Ballari Urban Development Authority (BUDA). Six officials, ranging from high-ranking to lower-level employees, were apprehended for their involvement in corrupt activities during a raid conducted at the BUDA office.
The arrested individuals include BUDA Commissioner Ramesh Vatagal, BUDA Town Planning Member Kallinath, Assistant Town Planner Yashavini, BUDA Manager Narayana, Case Worker Shankar, and Junior Engineer Kaja Hussain.
These arrests followed thorough investigations into allegations of bribery. Commissioner Ramesh Vatagal was caught receiving a bribe of 5 lakhs, while Town Planning Member Kallinath was found to have demanded 6 lakhs in bribes. Assistant Town Planner Yashasvini was arrested for soliciting a bribe of 3 lakhs, and Manager Narayan received 10 thousand rupees through digital payment. Case Worker Shankar accepted a bribe of 20 thousand rupees, while Junior Engineer Kaza Hussain received 20 thousand rupees via another payment method.
The crackdown underscores ongoing efforts to root out corruption within BUDA and underscores the commitment to fostering transparency in governmental institutions.