In a major, coordinated crackdown on corruption in Karnataka, the Karnataka Lokayukta Police conducted simultaneous raids at multiple locations linked to Sardar Safraz Khan, the personal secretary of state Housing and Minority Welfare Minister B. Zameer Ahmed Khan. The searches led to the detection of suspected assets worth approximately ₹14.38 crore, triggering sharp political and administrative reactions across the state.
Lokayukta officials said the action was carried out in connection with a case registered under allegations of disproportionate assets. The case is lodged at the Bagalkot Lokayukta Police Station, and the searches were undertaken as part of the ongoing investigation. The operation began in the early hours of Wednesday and continued throughout the day, with teams fanning out to several locations simultaneously.
Searches at 13 Locations
According to Lokayukta sources, a total of 13 premises linked to Sardar Safraz Khan were searched during the operation. These included his residence in the Halasuru area of Bengaluru, along with multiple properties located in Kodagu and Mysuru. In addition, the teams also conducted searches at two coffee estates in Kodagu district and a resort located in the HD Kote area of Mysuru district.
Officials said preliminary findings indicate that the ownership of these properties is either directly or indirectly linked to Safraz Khan. Investigators are now examining the sources of funds used to acquire these assets and comparing them with the income declared by the official over the years.
Assets and Documents Recovered
As per the initial details shared by the Lokayukta, the searches led to the recovery of a wide range of movable and immovable assets, as well as financial records. The items identified so far include:
- Immovable properties valued at ₹8.44 crore
- Documents related to four residential houses
- 37 acres of agricultural land
- Gold jewellery and ornaments worth around ₹3 crore
- Cash amounting to ₹66,500
- Luxury vehicles valued at ₹1.64 crore
- Bank deposits and other investments totalling ₹1.29 crore
Lokayukta officials said that the documents, bank accounts and investment records seized during the searches are being subjected to a detailed and forensic examination to determine whether the assets were acquired through lawful income or are disproportionate to known sources of earnings.
Officer on Deputation
Sardar Safraz Khan is a permanent officer serving as a Director in the Cooperative Societies Audit Department. At present, he is working on deputation as the personal secretary to the minister. Investigating agencies are now scrutinising his career trajectory, past postings and financial dealings to assess whether there is any mismatch between his official income and the assets accumulated during different phases of his service.
Officials said particular attention is being paid to Safraz Khan’s earlier appointments, the scope of authority held by him at various stages, and the pattern of financial transactions reflected in the seized records.
Focus on Commercial Properties
Lokayukta sources clarified that the probe is not limited to residential assets alone. The coffee estates in Kodagu and the resort at HD Kote are also under close scrutiny. Investigators are examining business documents, investment structures and income-expenditure statements linked to these commercial ventures.
The objective, officials said, is to establish the origin of capital invested in these properties and to determine whether any misuse of official position or undue influence played a role in their acquisition or operation.
More Revelations Likely
Lokayukta officials indicated that the case is still at a preliminary stage of investigation. In the coming days, more assets, possible benami investments and the involvement of other individuals may come to light. If required, Safraz Khan will be formally questioned and the scope of the probe may be widened.
The raids come at a time when allegations of corruption have intensified political confrontation between the ruling establishment and the opposition in Karnataka. The Lokayukta action is being viewed as a strong signal against corruption, with administrative and political circles closely watching the next developments in this high-profile case.
