Pramesh S Jain
The Karnataka Lokayukta Police have sought the Governor’s sanction to prosecute former minister and senior Congress leader Zameer Ahmed Khan in a disproportionate assets (DA) case,alleging that he amassed assets worth around Rs.25 crore beyond his known sources of income.
According to official sources,the Lokayukta Police on thursday submitted a proposal running into thousands of pages,along with supporting documents,to Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot seeking approval to file a charge sheet before the Special Lokayukta Court.
Investigators have reportedly found evidence that Khan accumulated assets disproportionate to his declared income during his tenure as an MLA and minister.
If the Governor grants prosecution sanction,the Lokayukta Police will be able to file the charge sheet before the Special Court,paving the way for criminal proceedings.
Probe Originated from IMA Scam Investigation
The disproportionate assets probe traces its origin to the 2018 IMA (I Monetary Advisory) scam investigation.
During searches conducted by the Directorate of Enforcement at Khan’s residence and offices, investigators allegedly found material suggesting possible accumulation of illegal wealth.
The ED subsequently recommended that the then Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) register a case and investigate the allegations.
After the ACB was abolished in Karnataka,the case was transferred to the Lokayukta Police,who continued the investigation.
Two-Decade Financial Audit
The investigation,supervised by Lokayukta officers, examined Khan’s financial records from 2005 to 2025, covering the period from his first election as an MLA to his tenure as a five-time legislator and three-time minister.
According to sources,investigators assessed his declared income,assets,business interests,bank transactions and financial dealings over two decades before concluding that he had allegedly acquired assets disproportionate to his known sources of income.
Investigation Findings:
The probe reportedly examined Khan’s properties, expenditure,foreign travel,financial transactions,and loans taken from and extended to several acquaintances.
Investigators are also said to have scrutinised financial dealings involving several political leaders,business associates, friends and family members.
Sources said the investigation found discrepancies in records relating to loans allegedly borrowed from more than 30 individuals as well as money reportedly advanced to others,with inadequate documentation regarding repayments.
The Lokayukta Police have questioned Khan,members of his family,friends and business associates during the course of the investigation.
The allegations remain under investigation,and any prosecution will be subject to the Governor’s approval and subsequent judicial proceedings.Khan will have the opportunity to present his defence.
