In a significant anti-corruption operation, the Lokayukta police in Kalaburagi have arrested a special government prosecutor for allegedly soliciting and accepting a bribe from a client. The arrest underscores the ongoing vigilance against corruption within the state's legal machinery.
Prosecutor Caught Red-Handed in Sting Operation
The accused has been identified as Rajamahendra G, who served as the special government prosecutor for the city's second PDJ court. The case against him stems from a complaint filed by Naveen Ananthayya, a resident of Kandanuli village in Telangana's Vikarabad district. Rajamahendra was handling a caste-based defamation case for Naveen.
According to the complaint, the public prosecutor demanded a bribe of Rs 50,000 to effectively present Naveen's case in court. It is alleged that he had already accepted an initial amount of Rs 20,000. When Rajamahendra pressed for the remaining balance, the aggrieved client decided to approach the Lokayukta authorities instead of paying further.
Lokayukta Team Springs into Action
Acting on the tip-off, a Lokayukta team led by DSP Sheelwant and under the supervision of Lokayukta SP Siddharaju laid a trap. The operation culminated on Tuesday with a successful raid. The police team apprehended the prosecutor at the very moment he was accepting the outstanding bribe amount of Rs 25,000 in cash.
The arrest was made swiftly, and the money was seized as evidence. DSP Sheelwant confirmed the details of the operation, stating that the accused was caught in the act of receiving the illicit payment.
Legal Process and Implications
Following the arrest and preliminary investigation, the Lokayukta police have stated that the accused government prosecutor will be presented before the appropriate court to face legal proceedings. This case highlights a serious breach of trust, as a public official tasked with upholding the law is accused of exploiting his position for personal gain.
Such incidents erode public confidence in the judicial process. The prompt action by the Lokayukta police sends a strong message about the state's commitment to rooting out corruption at all levels. It serves as a warning to other public servants who might consider engaging in similar malpractices.
The investigation is ongoing, and further legal steps will follow as per the established procedure under anti-corruption laws.
