Belgaum: In a major development, officials from the Belgaum district administration and the Cooperation Department conducted raids on two offices linked to Shivam Associates owner Shivanand Neelannavar in Shiv Basav Nagar on Thursday. The sudden action has triggered intense discussion across the city.
The inspection was carried out under the leadership of Sub-Divisional Officer Shraman Nayak along with officials from the Cooperation Department. Authorities reportedly examined financial transactions, investment records, and documents related to funds collected from the public. Sources said several important documents have been seized for further investigation.
Shivam Associates has allegedly collected large amounts of money from the public, including ex-servicemen, by promising unusually high returns on investments. Officials are also looking into allegations that investors from different parts of the state may have invested crores of rupees, raising concerns over possible misuse of public funds.
Meanwhile, Shivanand Neelannavar has recently been at the center of controversy after several of his speeches went viral on social media. In one widely circulated video from an event in Kadur, he allegedly claimed, “We have 15,000 guns,” “I have built a huge empire,” and “I fear no one.” His statement about winning all 224 seats in the 2028 Assembly elections and becoming Chief Minister had also sparked widespread debate and criticism.
Adding to the controversy, preparations were underway for a massive “Swachh Belgaum” event scheduled for May 17, reportedly aiming to gather nearly 20,000 people. However, the district administration had already taken a strict stand regarding permissions, banners, and public gatherings related to the event.
The latest raids have now given the case a new twist, and more details are expected to emerge as officials continue scrutinizing the seized documents. Further legal action may follow based on the findings of the investigation.
