Searches conducted in Bengaluru, Kodagu coffee estates and resort at Kabini, Mysuru

Bengaluru: Lokayukta sleuths yesterday conducted searches at more than 10 properties linked to Sardar Sarfaraz Khan, a senior official currently on deputation to the Karnataka Housing Department from the Directorate of Co-operative Department, in connection with allegations of amassing assets disproportionate to his known sources of income.

Simultaneous raids were carried out by a team of over 100 Lokayukta officials at multiple locations in Bengaluru, Kodagu and Mysuru districts. In Bengaluru, searches were conducted at Sarfaraz Khan’s residence in the Halasuru locality and six other houses in different parts of the city.

In Kodagu district, the sleuths raided two coffee estates allegedly owned by him. A resort near the Kabini backwaters in H.D. Kote taluk of Mysuru district was also searched. The raids reportedly led to the seizure of substantial assets and documents, which are being scrutinised as part of the investigation.

Sarfaraz Khan, a senior KAS officer, has served in various departments and was earlier Joint Commissioner of the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), where he handled solid waste management. He has also worked as a Personal Secretary to 7 to 8 Ministers over the years and is considered close to Karnataka Housing, Hajj and Waqf Minister B.Z. Zameer Ahmed Khan.

According to Lokayukta sources, complaints had been filed alleging that Sarfaraz Khan misused his official position to amass wealth worth several crores of rupees. Further investigation is underway.