Bengaluru: R.L. Parameshwaraiah, former Joint General Manager (Project) of Housing and Urban Development Corporation Ltd. (HUDCO), who was recently named in a CBI disproportionate assets (DA) case, was found dead at his residence in Koramangala on February 25. He allegedly died by suicide by hanging, barely 26 days after the FIR was registered against him.
The CBI Case
The CBIโs Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB), Bengaluru, had registered FIR on January 30, 2026, under Sections 13(2) read with 13(1)(b) and 13(1)(e) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 (as amended in 2018).
The alleged offences pertained to the check period between January 1, 2012 and December 4, 2021 โ during which Parameshwaraiah served as a public servant. For part of this period, he was on inter-departmental deputation to the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) and later retired from BBMP.
How the Case Originated
The FIR stemmed from a complaint filed by Arun Kumar Chaturvedi, Chief Vigilance Officer, HUDCO.
The complaint was based on Income Tax searches conducted in December 2021 under Section 132 of the Income Tax Act. During a search at the residence of Anil Kumar G, a civil contractor associated with BBMP, authorities recovered:
- A maroon and black VIP suitcase
- Three bank locker keys
- โน1.35 lakh in cash
- Gold jewellery weighing 275.98 grams
- Sale deeds, agreements, rent and lease documents
Anil Kumar G reportedly stated under oath that the suitcase belonged to Parameshwaraiah.
Subsequent searches were conducted at Parameshwaraiahโs Koramangala residence. He admitted that the suitcase belonged to him and stated it was kept at his friendโs house fearing theft.
On December 6, 2021, Income Tax officials searched three bank lockers linked to the recovered keys and seized โน86.35 lakh in cash. The lockers were held in the name of G. Kishore Naidu, who reportedly stated that the lockers were operated by Parameshwaraiahโs wife, Mahalakshmi. The source of the seized cash allegedly remained unexplained.
Disproportionate Assets Calculation
According to the FIR:
- Assets at beginning of check period (01.01.2012): โน29.64 lakh
- Assets at end of check period (04.12.2021): โน5.85 crore
- Assets acquired during period: โน5.56 crore
- Expenditure during period: โน94.32 lakh
- Total income during period: โน3.40 crore
After accounting for income and expenditure, the CBI calculated alleged disproportionate assets of โน3,09,85,819.57 โ amounting to 90.92% beyond known sources of income.
Properties listed included residential flats, multiple sites in Koramangala, Yelahanka, Anekal, Tumakuru, Malur and Kolar, bank balances, vehicle, household assets, and seized cash.
Legal and Investigative Angle
The FIR was registered after obtaining consent from the Karnataka Government under the DSPE Act, followed by notification from the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT).
With the death of the accused, criminal proceedings against him are likely to abate. However, scrutiny of financial transactions and assets held in joint or family names may continue as per legal provisions.
26-Day Gap Raises Questions
The proximity between the FIR registration and his death has drawn attention. However, no official agency has linked the two developments.
Police and CBI responses are awaited. Police have initiated inquest proceedings. Further details are awaited.
The sudden demise of a public servant facing serious corruption allegations adds a new dimension to the high-profile case.
