Lokayukta police in Karnataka's Gadag district have arrested Moula Hussain, the car driver of a child protection officer, on bribery charges. The arrest followed a complaint filed by an individual named Abhishek, leading to a trap operation.
Arrest and Bribe Amount
According to Lokayukta DySP Lokesh, Hussain was caught red-handed while accepting Rs 15,000 as the first instalment of a bribe demanded on behalf of the officer. The money was recovered from his possession at the scene.
DySP Lokesh stated, "We received a complaint from Abhishek alleging that the child protection officer, through his driver, was demanding a bribe for an official favour. We laid a trap and arrested the driver while he was accepting the money."
Investigation and Charges
A case has been registered under the Prevention of Corruption Act. The child protection officer has not been arrested yet, but investigations are ongoing to determine his direct involvement. DySP Lokesh added, "We are questioning the driver and examining evidence to see if the officer was aware of or complicit in the demand."
The Lokayukta team is also probing whether there were other instances of bribery involving the officer. Further arrests are expected as the inquiry progresses.
Role of Child Protection Officer
The child protection officer, posted under the District Child Protection Unit (DCPU), is responsible for implementing child welfare schemes, handling cases of abuse, and ensuring the protection of vulnerable children. The bribery allegations have raised concerns about corruption in the department, which deals with sensitive issues involving minors.
Officials from the Women and Child Development Department have declined to comment, stating that the matter is under investigation. However, senior sources indicated that the department will cooperate fully with the Lokayukta.
Lokayukta's Anti-Corruption Drive
The Karnataka Lokayukta has been active in cracking down on corruption in government departments. This arrest is part of ongoing efforts to root out bribery in public services. DySP Lokesh urged the public to report any corrupt practices, assuring that strict action will be taken.
"We have a zero-tolerance policy towards corruption. Citizens should come forward with complaints, and we will act swiftly," he said.
The driver, Moula Hussain, was produced before a local court and remanded to judicial custody. The investigation is in its early stages, and the Lokayukta has not disclosed the identity of the child protection officer pending further inquiries.
