Bidar, Karnataka : The Bidar Veterinary University scam prompted the Karnataka Lokayukta to raid 69 locations across the state on Wednesday. The raids targeted the residences and offices of university officials, staff members, and associated business establishments as part of the probe into alleged misappropriation of funds.
Investigators targeted the residences and offices of university officials, staff members, and associated business establishments. Currently, 24 locations in Bidar district, 31 in Bengaluru, two in Koppal, two in Chikkamagaluru, and several in Hassan, Ramanagara, Kolar, Udupi, and other districts are under scrutiny.
The raids followed a complaint filed in August 2021 by Bengaluru resident Venkat Reddy, alleging a Rs 35 crore scam at the Bidar Karnataka Veterinary, Animal, and Fisheries University (KVAFSU). Lokayukta investigations uncovered misappropriation of Rs 22 crore.
Officials claim that university staff created fake bills for equipment and supplies, diverting substantial funds. Lokayukta officers are examining documents and records seized from offices, residences, and business establishments of officers and staff who served in 2021. Lokayukta ADGP Manish Karbikar is supervising the operations.
Earlier, on July 30, Lokayukta police searched offices and residences of five government officials and seized assets worth Rs 24.4 crore, which exceeded their known sources of income. Teams also raided 25 locations in Bengaluru, Chitradurga, Hassan, and Chikkaballapura, confiscating movable and immovable properties.
The Karnataka Veterinary, Animal, and Fisheries Science University aims to promote education, research, and rural-oriented technology transfer in veterinary, animal, dairy, and fisheries sciences.
The Karnataka Lokayukta will release an official statement on the ongoing raids by the end of the day, as authorities continue to investigate one of the state’s largest alleged university scams.
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