Bengaluru Police Inspector Apprehended While Accepting Rs 4 Lakh Bribe from Builder
In a significant anti-corruption operation, Lokayukta sleuths in Bengaluru on Thursday caught a police inspector red-handed while he was accepting a bribe of Rs 4 lakh from a builder. The incident unfolded at the CAR grounds in Chamarajpet, where the accused, Inspector Govindaraju from the KP Agrahara police station, was intercepted by Lokayukta officials at approximately 4:30 PM.
Details of the Bribery Case and Arrest
According to Lokayukta police, Govindaraju had initially demanded a total of Rs 5 lakh in cash from the builder, Mohammed Akbar. He had already received an advance payment of Rs 1 lakh on January 24. On Thursday, Govindaraju contacted Akbar and instructed him to pay the remaining balance at the CAR grounds. Not willing to comply with the illegal demand, Akbar filed a formal complaint with the Lokayukta, leading to the sting operation.
Govindaraju arrived at the location in his official police jeep, wearing his khaki uniform, which added a layer of audacity to the corruption attempt. The Lokayukta team moved in swiftly as the money changed hands, apprehending the inspector on the spot.
Background of the Cheating Case and Bribe Demand
Mohammed Akbar revealed that Govindaraju had booked him and three others on charges of cheating two individuals out of money. The inspector allegedly asked for the bribe in exchange for dropping Akbar's name from the case, a clear abuse of power aimed at subverting justice. This case highlights the troubling nexus between law enforcement and criminal activities, where officials exploit their positions for personal gain.
Simultaneous Raid on Former KIADB Official in Disproportionate Assets Case
In a related development on the same day, Lokayukta police conducted raids on former Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board (KIADB) official Tejesh Kumar N. This action followed the registration of a disproportionate assets case against him. During the raids at four sites, including eight houses and 14 acres of agricultural land, properties valued at an astonishing Rs 26.5 crore were uncovered.
These coordinated efforts by the Lokayukta underscore a broader crackdown on corruption within Karnataka's public institutions. The arrest of Inspector Govindaraju and the raid on the ex-KIADB official send a strong message about the authorities' commitment to rooting out graft and ensuring accountability.
The incidents have sparked discussions about systemic corruption and the need for more robust oversight mechanisms to prevent such abuses. As investigations continue, the focus remains on upholding integrity in public service and delivering justice to those affected by these corrupt practices.
