₹500+ crore corruption exposed: Lokayukta raid unmasks H.M. Janardhan’s vast scam network in Karnataka

From illegal appointments and dual government jobs to massive tender manipulation and illegal assets, NewsFirst uncovers the full scale of allegations against KREIS Superintendent Engineer H.M. Janardhan.

In a major expose, NewsFirst has brought to light a massive corruption network allegedly operated by H.M. Janardhan, currently serving as Superintendent Engineer at the Karnataka Residential Educational Institutions Society (KREIS). Following a Lokayukta raid, several shocking revelations regarding illegal appointments, large-scale tender manipulation, misuse of public funds, and accumulation of disproportionate assets have emerged.

Corruption Trail from AE to SE:

Sources reveal that Janardhan’s alleged corruption began from his early service days as an Assistant Engineer (AE) and continued through promotions up to Superintendent Engineer (SE). Wherever he served, multiple complaints of bribery, financial irregularities, and administrative misuse surfaced. Despite repeated allegations, ministers and senior officials allegedly remained silent, allowing him to continue in influential roles.

Questionable Government Appointment:

Janardhan’s very entry into government service is now under scrutiny. Initially appointed at Karnataka Bhusena Nigama Limited as Task Force Commander Grade-1, he later cleared departmental exams and joined the Water Resources Department as AE on June 5, 2003.

However, records show he resigned from his earlier post only on April 29, 2004, meaning he simultaneously held two government jobs for several months, which is illegal. Officials say a detailed probe could result in cancellation of his entire government service.

Harassment and Demotion of 124 Engineers:

One of the gravest accusations involves the demotion of 124 engineers, allegedly targeting mainly Dalit officers.

•    In 2003-04, the government recruited around 800 engineers under three age categories.
•    Their services were regularised in 2005.
•    The Supreme Court in 2015 directed recruitment under only two age slabs.
•    In line with this, promotions were granted in 2014 and implemented in 2017.

Also Read:Fake cops strike in Bengaluru: Robbers in khaki loot ₹20 lakh cash, 500g gold from family home

However, contrary to court orders, 124 Assistant Executive Engineers were demoted, allegedly under Janardhan’s influence while serving as OSD to the PWD Minister. Accusations state he misled the minister and deliberately targeted selected engineers.

Political Protection Alleged:

Despite investigations being ordered in 2019 during the BJP government, Janardhan allegedly escaped scrutiny using political influence. Even after the Congress government came to power in 2023, and H.C. Mahadevappa became Social Welfare Minister, Janardhan was appointed as SE in KREIS, raising serious concerns over political patronage.

Massive Tender Scam in KREIS:

Serious charges have been levelled against Janardhan regarding illegal tenders and financial fraud exceeding ₹500 crore.

Key allegations include:

•    Illegal tenders for KREIS school buildings
•    Overnight clearance of 18 tenders
•    Collection of 18% commission
•    Ignoring eligible contractors
•    Awarding tenders to unqualified companies
•    Bypassing departmental procedures
•    Illegal kickbacks and manipulation of technical approvals

Misuse of ₹400 Crore Temple Development Funds:

Janardhan is also accused of misusing ₹400 crore sanctioned for Panchalinga Darshana development works in Talakadu. Similar financial irregularities are alleged during his tenure as AEE at T. Narasipura, where another ₹400 crore scam is under investigation.

What Lokayukta Found During Raids:

Lokayukta raids uncovered massive disproportionate assets, including:

•    7.38 acres agricultural land - Honakere, Nagamangala
•    1.04 acres agricultural land - Somanahalli
•    25 acres farmland - Challakere & Hiriyur taluks, Chitradurga
•    Houses in Mandya Swarnasandra, Honakere village
•    Houses in Mysuru Saraswathipuram, Siddharthanagar
•    One house in Lalithadripura, Mysuru
•    Sites in Mysuru Lalithadripura & RT Nagar
•    1 Innova car
•    ₹1.7 crore cash seized

Officials confirmed the assets far exceed his known income sources.