Bengaluru Police Inspector Trapped in Rs 4 Lakh Bribery Sting Operation
A shocking incident has rocked the Bengaluru police force as an inspector was allegedly caught red-handed accepting a bribe of Rs 4 lakh. The arrest, which occurred on January 29, has now gained widespread attention after a video of the officer screaming and resisting arrest surfaced on social media platforms on Friday.
Dramatic Video Captures Inspector's Arrest by Lokayukta Officials
The viral footage shows inspector Govindaraju, who was attached to the K P Agrahara police station, in full uniform while being restrained by Lokayukta personnel. In the video, the inspector can be heard shouting continuously and attempting to resist arrest, creating a dramatic scene that has since circulated widely across social media channels.
Complaint Leads to Elaborate Sting Operation
According to Lokayukta police officials, the trap was set following a formal complaint filed by Md Akbar, a 42-year-old resident. Akbar alleged that inspector Govindaraju had demanded Rs 5 lakh to provide assistance in connection with a case registered at the K P Agrahara police station.
Based on this complaint, the Lokayukta police registered a case against the inspector under relevant provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act. Officials revealed that the accused had already collected Rs 1 lakh from the complainant earlier and was caught while allegedly receiving the remaining Rs 4 lakh during the sting operation.
Background of the Bribery Case
Police sources indicated that the complainant had been booked in a cheating case, and inspector Govindaraju allegedly offered to help him secure bail in exchange for the substantial bribe. This revelation adds another layer to the corruption scandal, suggesting the inspector was exploiting his position to extract money from someone facing legal troubles.
Further investigation into the matter is currently underway, with authorities examining all aspects of the case to determine the full extent of the alleged corruption.
Former Police Commissioner Condemns Incident
Reacting strongly to the viral video, former Bengaluru Police Commissioner Bhaskar Rao expressed deep disappointment, stating that the incident had brought disrepute to the entire police force. In a post on social media platform 'X', Rao described the behavior as "extremely shameful" and "another instance of disgraceful conduct in uniform."
Rao further emphasized that there are over one lakh police personnel in Karnataka who feel let down by such actions while wearing the khaki uniform. His comments reflect the broader sentiment of disappointment within the law enforcement community regarding such incidents of corruption.
Impact on Police Credibility and Public Trust
This incident raises serious questions about police integrity and the mechanisms in place to prevent corruption within law enforcement agencies. The fact that a serving police inspector was allegedly caught accepting such a substantial bribe while in uniform has particularly damaged public confidence in the system.
The Lokayukta's successful sting operation demonstrates the effectiveness of anti-corruption measures, but the incident itself highlights the ongoing challenges in eliminating graft from public institutions. As the investigation progresses, authorities will need to address both the specific case and the broader systemic issues it represents.
