KAS Officer Siddalinga Reddy Arrested in Shivamogga Bribery Sting Operation
In a significant anti-corruption operation, the Lokayukta police have taken into custody Siddalinga Reddy, a Karnataka Administrative Service (KAS) officer serving as the Special Land Acquisition Officer (SLAO) for National Highway-206, along with a village assistant, on charges of demanding a bribe. The arrest follows a detailed complaint and a meticulously planned sting operation in Shivamogga.
Complaint Leads to Swift Action
The case originated from a complaint filed by Keshavamurthy, a resident of Otigatta village, who had leased his car to the SLAO office for the past two years. According to the official Lokayukta press release issued on Saturday, Siddalinga Reddy allegedly demanded a bribe of Rs 40,000 to release the rental cheque for November 2025. This demand prompted the complainant to approach the authorities, setting the stage for the operation.
Sting Operation Details
Acting on the officer's instructions, Rajesh, a village assistant from the Holalur Nada Kacheri, met the complainant near Shivamogga's Nehru Stadium on the evening of February 14, allegedly to collect the cash. Lokayukta police, who had been monitoring the situation, caught Rajesh red-handed during the exchange. Subsequently, Siddalinga Reddy was taken into custody for questioning, as confirmed by Lokayukta Superintendent of Police MS Kaulapure.
The operation was led by Lokayukta DSP BP Chandrashekhar, with support from Lokayukta inspectors KP Rudresh, Gururaj Mylar, and Veerabasappa L Kusalapur, according to the press note. Rudresh stated that both the KAS officer and the village assistant were apprehended and are currently under investigation.
Background of the Accused Officer
Siddalinga Reddy, the KAS officer at the center of this scandal, previously served as the Shivamogga Additional Deputy Commissioner, adding a layer of concern given his senior position in the administration. His role as SLAO for National Highway-206 involved critical responsibilities in land acquisition processes, making the allegations particularly serious in the context of public trust and governance.
This incident highlights ongoing efforts by the Lokayukta to combat corruption in Karnataka, especially in sectors like infrastructure development where such malpractices can hinder progress. The arrest underscores the vigilance of anti-corruption agencies and the importance of citizen complaints in exposing unethical behavior among public officials.
