The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) in Bengaluru has arrested a vigilance official of the Bangalore Electricity Supply Company (BESCOM) for allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs 15 lakh. The official, identified as M. Venkatesh, was caught red-handed while accepting the bribe from a complainant at his office on Wednesday.
Details of the Arrest
According to ACB officials, Venkatesh had demanded the bribe to settle a power theft case against a private firm. The complainant, a representative of the firm, approached the ACB after Venkatesh allegedly insisted on the payment. The ACB laid a trap and arrested Venkatesh when he was accepting the money.
Investigation Underway
The ACB has registered a case under the Prevention of Corruption Act and is investigating the matter further. They are also probing whether Venkatesh had accepted bribes in other cases previously. A senior ACB officer stated that such actions tarnish the image of the electricity department and strict action will be taken against corrupt officials.
BESCOM officials have not yet commented on the arrest. However, sources indicate that the company may initiate departmental proceedings against Venkatesh. This incident highlights the ongoing efforts by the ACB to curb corruption in government departments in Karnataka.
The arrest has sent shockwaves among BESCOM employees, with many expressing concern over the increasing number of corruption cases in the utility. The ACB has urged the public to report any instances of bribery or corruption to its helpline.
