Lokayukta Raids Minister’s Aide, Seizes ₹14 Crore in Disproportionate Assets Case

In one of the biggest anti-corruption actions in Karnataka this year, the Lokayukta Police have seized assets worth more than ₹14.38 crore during raids on the premises of a senior minister’s aide, exposing serious gaps in financial oversight and accountability.

The action was taken against Sardar Safaraz Khan, personal secretary to Karnataka Housing and Minority Welfare Minister B. Zameer Ahmed Khan, in connection with a disproportionate assets case registered at the Bagalkot Lokayukta Police Station.

Raids across 13 locations

Early Wednesday morning, Lokayukta teams carried out simultaneous searches at 13 locations across Karnataka. These included a residential property in Bengaluru, coffee estates in Kodagu, a resort in Mysuru’s HD Kote area, and multiple other residential and commercial premises.

During the raids, officials seized property documents, bank statements, investment records, jewellery and cash, all of which will now undergo detailed financial scrutiny.

Assets far exceed declared income

Preliminary findings suggest that the assets unearthed are grossly disproportionate to Khan’s known sources of income. Investigators believe weak monitoring, delayed verification of financial records and lack of regular compliance checks allowed the accumulation of such wealth over time.

Experts say cases like these highlight the importance of transparent financial reporting and robust accounting services in India, especially for individuals holding public office or handling government-linked responsibilities.

Role and background under lens

Although currently serving as a personal secretary to the minister, Khan’s parent cadre post is Director in the Cooperative Audit Department. Officials are examining whether his official position and political proximity were misused to channel funds into properties, land and luxury assets.

Coffee estates and resort under investigation

The Lokayukta is also examining whether the coffee estates and resort were acquired through benami transactions or indirect financial routing. Ownership trails, approvals and fund flows are being analysed with the help of forensic accountants and financial experts.

Authorities noted that accurate accounting records — or the absence of them — will play a crucial role in establishing the source of funds and intent.

What lies ahead

Officials confirmed that:

• Seized records will undergo forensic financial analysis

• Bank accounts and investment patterns will be reviewed in depth

• A chargesheet under the Prevention of Corruption Act will be filed after scrutiny

• Further action, including arrests, will depend on evidence

A wider message

Anti-corruption activists say the case underscores how inadequate checks and weak financial controls can enable large-scale corruption. Strengthening compliance, transparency and professional auditing services in India is critical to prevent such misuse of power.

With assets worth over ₹14 crore now under the scanner, the case is expected to have major political and legal ramifications as the investigation deepens.