More irregularities emerge after Lokayukta’s raid on legal metrology dept

Bengaluru: The Karnataka Lokayukta has identified multiple irregularities during searches conducted on Monday at the offices of the Department of Legal Metrology.

Officials discovered Rs 21,000 in cash in the drawer of an assistant controller, which has been seized for further investigation.

Additionally, it was found that the department had failed to maintain proper cash and movement registers. "Some officials, who signed the attendance registers, weren't present in the office," the ombudsman said in a statement.

The investigation also revealed that one joint controller, six assistant controllers, and six inspectors had locked their offices and were absent during the searches.

"They did not respond to repeated calls and later switched off their phones," the Lokayukta noted. "When they replied to the notices issued on Tuesday, they could not provide a satisfactory explanation for their absence."

Further, the probe uncovered instances of officials being on leave without proper authorisation, raising additional concerns about administrative lapses within the department.