BIG EXCLUSIVE: Lokayukta raids blow the lid off Maruti Bagli’s web of corruption!

Town Planning Officer Maruti Bagli’s meteoric rise from Group-C to Group-A, misuse of Hyderabad-Karnataka quota, and massive illegal wealth are now under Lokayukta scanner.

In a massive anti-corruption breakthrough, the Karnataka Lokayukta has unearthed shocking revelations about Town Planning Officer Maruti Bagli, exposing a trail of irregular promotions, quota misuse, and disproportionate assets worth over ₹4.72 crore — 178% more than his known income.

Bagli, who joined government service as an Assistant Town Planner (Group-C) in 2010, quickly climbed the ladder to Group-A Assistant Director within just 12 years. Lokayukta documents reveal that each promotion was riddled with procedural violations and misuse of the Hyderabad-Karnataka (HK) reservation quota.

Despite receiving promotions under Hyderabad-Karnataka quota, Bagli never reported to duty in these districts, continuing to remain in Bengaluru — a direct violation of service rules. Even when transferred to Raichur and later Koppal, Bagli allegedly manipulated orders and stayed put in the state capital.

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MUDA Scam & Influence Network

Bagli’s name also surfaces in the infamous MUDA scam, where prime Mysuru lands were allegedly allotted illegally. Sources allege Bagli, in collusion with senior officials, transferred crucial files from Mysuru to Bengaluru during the investigation phase, raising suspicion of deliberate cover-up attempts.

Lokayukta Raid: Cash, Gold, Benami Assets

During the recent Lokayukta raid, officials seized huge stacks of cash, gold, silver, site documents, and property records from Bagli’s residence. Preliminary investigation pegged his disproportionate assets at ₹4.31 crore (172.45%), later revised to ₹4.72 crore (178.40%) in the final report.

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Political & Bureaucratic Protection?

Reports suggest that Bagli enjoyed protection from senior officials including the Director of Town and Country Planning Tippeswamy and other influential figures in the Urban Development Department. Despite repeated complaints and an active case in the Karnataka Administrative Tribunal (KAT) challenging his promotions, Bagli continued to hold powerful posts, even serving as OSD to Urban Development Minister Byrathi Suresh until May 2025.

High Court Case & Lokayukta Recommendation

The Karnataka Administrative Tribunal had already ruled that Bagli’s promotions were irregular. The case is now under High Court scrutiny (Writ Petition Nos. 20918/2023 & 20875/2023). Following the raid, Lokayukta has recommended his immediate transfer to prevent tampering with evidence and ensure a fair probe.

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