BJP MLA Chandru Lamani and Aides Remanded in Judicial Custody in Bribery Case
In a significant development, BJP MLA from Shirahatti, Chandru Lamani, along with his two personal assistants, has been remanded in judicial custody until March 3. The trio was apprehended while allegedly accepting a bribe, marking a serious corruption case in Karnataka.
Red-Handed Capture by Police Team
A specialized team led by Dharwad Superintendent of Police ST Siddalingappa successfully trapped the MLA and his aides red-handed on Saturday. The operation was meticulously planned, resulting in their immediate arrest as they were caught in the act of accepting illicit money.
The bribery incident unfolded in Laxmeshwara, located in Gadag district, where Lamani was accused of demanding a substantial sum of Rs 11 lakh from a contractor involved in a project. During the sting operation, he was allegedly caught receiving an initial payment of Rs 5 lakh from the contractor, leading to swift legal action.
Legal Proceedings and Custody Details
Following their arrest, a formal case was registered under the stringent Prevention of Corruption Act, highlighting the gravity of the allegations. The accused were promptly produced before Special Court Judge Santosh Gajanan Bhat at his residence near Yelahanka on Sunday.
Judge Bhat remanded Lamani and his aides—identified as Manjunath Valmiki and Guru Nayak—to judicial custody for a period of 10 days. Consequently, they have been lodged in the central prison at Parappana Agrahara, where they will remain until the next hearing.
Notably, Lokayukta sleuths did not seek custody of the accused, indicating that the investigation may proceed without their immediate interrogation by the anti-corruption body. This decision adds an interesting layer to the case, as it suggests the police have sufficient evidence to proceed with judicial processes.
Broader Implications and Context
This incident underscores ongoing concerns about corruption in political and administrative circles, particularly in Karnataka. The arrest of a sitting BJP MLA sends a strong message about accountability and the enforcement of anti-corruption laws.
The case is likely to have political ramifications, given Lamani's position and the timing of the arrest. It also highlights the effectiveness of coordinated police efforts in tackling graft, as demonstrated by the successful trap set by SP Siddalingappa's team.
As the judicial process unfolds, further details are expected to emerge regarding the contractor's project and the full extent of the alleged bribery demands. The community and political observers will be closely monitoring developments, especially with the remand period set to expire on March 3.
