KRIDL scam: Ex-clerk with Rs 15,000 salary amassed assets worth Rs 30cr | Hubballi News
Koppal: Kalakappa Nidagundi, a former outsourced clerk at the Karnataka Rural Infrastructure Development Limited (KRIDL) office in Koppal, is alleged to have amassed assets approximately worth Rs 30 crore over two decades — despite earning a modest monthly salary of Rs 15,000. The corruption came to light on Thursday when Lokayukta officials carried out a raid at Nidagundi’s residence in Pragati Nagar. The raid, as part of the investigation into the misappropriation of Rs 72 crore in KRIDL, unearthed massive assets including 24 houses, six plots, over 40 acres of agricultural land, more than 1kg of gold jewellery, and multiple vehicles, with documents pointing to further illegal assets. Following instructions from KRIDL MD Basavaraju, executive engineers Anil Patil (from Koppal office) and Anand Karlakunti (from the Nelogipura subdivision) filed complaints against former executive engineer Zaranappa M Chincholikar and Nidagundi. In response to the complaint, Lokayukta officials commenced their raid at Nidagundi’s residence at 6am. The investigations also uncovered properties registered under the names of his wife and brother.The accused parties allegedly fabricated documents and invoices for 96 projects — including sewerage, road, and drinking water initiatives across several villages in the district — from 2019 to 2025. The fraudulent projects include 19 in Kanakagiri, five in Gangavathi, four in Yelburga, and 68 in Koppal taluk, misappropriating grants worth Rs 72 crore.While Kalakappa was dismissed from service a few months ago, Chincholikar managed to retain his position following a court order, despite an earlier termination. Koppal MLA K Raghavendra Hitnal confirmed the involvement of Nidgundi and cement supplier Amaresh Yambaladinni in collusion with Chincholikar. He assured that the govt would thoroughly investigate all related works and take appropriate action against those found guilty.
