The Assistant Commercial Tax Officer (ACTO) of Ballari was arrested by the Karnataka Lokayukta police on Tuesday afternoon after being caught accepting a bribe. The officer, whose identity has not been disclosed, was trapped during a targeted operation based on a complaint.
Lokayukta Operation Details
Lokayukta Superintendent of Police N Vasudevaram confirmed that a team conducted the raid at noon on July 7, 2026. The officer was apprehended while accepting the bribe amount from the complainant. The exact sum involved has not been revealed, but sources indicate it was a demand for a bribe in connection with official duties.
Legal Action and Investigation
The ACTO has been taken into custody and a case has been registered under the Prevention of Corruption Act. The Lokayukta is further investigating to determine if there were any accomplices or previous instances of bribery. According to Vasudevaram, the operation was executed smoothly based on credible intelligence.
Impact on Tax Administration
This arrest has sent shockwaves through the Ballari commercial tax department. Officials are conducting an internal review to ensure compliance with anti-corruption measures. The Karnataka government has reiterated its zero-tolerance policy towards corruption, with the Lokayukta actively pursuing such cases across the state.
