Karnataka BJP MLA Caught Red-Handed in Major Bribery Operation
In a significant development highlighting the ongoing battle against corruption, Lokayukta police in Karnataka have apprehended Chandru Lamani, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) from Shirahatti in Gadag district. The arrest followed a meticulously planned raid conducted on Saturday at his medical facility, Balaji Hospital, located in Laxmeshwar.
Details of the Alleged Bribery Scheme
The operation unfolded after a formal complaint was lodged by a class-1 contractor identified as Vijay Pujar. According to the complaint, MLA Chandru Lamani had allegedly demanded an 11% commission for a substantial public works project. This project involved the construction of a retaining wall in Sankadal village, valued at approximately Rs 1 crore.
Acting swiftly on this information, a specialized team led by Superintendent of Police Siddalingappa executed the raid at the hospital premises. During the operation, authorities reportedly caught Lamani in the act of accepting a bribe amounting to Rs 5 lakh from the contractor. This cash was allegedly part of the illicit commission demanded for facilitating the government contract.
Additional Arrests and Evidence Tampering Attempts
The investigation did not stop with the MLA's detention. During the raid, Lokayukta officials also apprehended two of Lamani's personal assistants, identified as Manjunath Walmiki and Guru Lamani. In a dramatic turn of events, officials disclosed that these associates attempted to obstruct justice by discarding evidence.
Specifically, it was reported that they threw a bundle of cash, estimated to be around Rs 1 lakh, into the compound of a neighboring private school. This act was allegedly a desperate measure to destroy incriminating evidence linked to the bribery scandal. The recovery of this cash further solidified the case against the accused individuals.
Background of the Accused MLA
Chandru Lamani, besides his political role, is a qualified medical practitioner. Prior to entering politics, he served as the taluk health officer in Laxmeshwar, a position he held in the government health department. In a career shift, Lamani resigned from this service to contest the 2023 Karnataka Legislative Assembly election, where he successfully secured the Shirahatti constituency seat as a BJP candidate.
His transition from a public health official to a legislator now stands overshadowed by these serious corruption allegations. The case has drawn significant attention, underscoring the vigilance of anti-corruption agencies in tackling graft at high levels of governance.
The Lokayukta police have registered a formal case, and further investigations are underway to uncover any additional details or potential accomplices involved in this bribery network. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges in eradicating corruption from public life and the critical role of independent investigative bodies in upholding integrity.
