Daijiworld Media Network – Belagavi

Belagavi, Apr 12: Lokayukta officials conducted a massive raid on the properties of an Assistant Executive Engineer (AEE) attached to the District Urban Development Cell (DUDC) in Belagavi, unearthing disproportionate assets valued at over Rs 14 crore.

The official, identified as Ajaysingh Bapusingh Rajapur, reportedly started his career as a daily wage worker before rising through the ranks to his current position.

Simultaneous raids across seven locations

On Friday, Lokayukta teams conducted simultaneous searches at seven locations connected to Rajapur, including his residence, office, and bank premises. During the operation, officials inspected three houses in Belagavi and a bank locker.

The search led to the discovery of 18 sites located across Savadatti, Hukkeri, and Hubballi. The seized movable assets include 5.96 kg of gold, 5 kg of silver, fixed deposits worth Rs 3.12 crore, and a fleet of luxury cars and bikes.

From daily wager to multi-crore wealth

Hailing from Hukkeri, Rajapur joined the service as a daily wage employee in 1992 and continued in that capacity until 2006. His services were regularized by the government in 2008. Following his regularization, he was promoted to Junior Engineer, Assistant Engineer, and eventually reached the position of Assistant Executive Engineer in the Urban Development Department.

Investigations suggest that he allegedly accumulated vast illegal wealth during his tenure by misrepresenting his income.

Legal action initiated

A case has been registered against the official under the provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act for possessing assets disproportionate to his known sources of income.

Lokayukta officials stated that the investigation into the total extent of the illegal assets is ongoing, as more documents and bank records are being scrutinized.