In a significant anti-corruption operation, the Karnataka Lokayukta police on Thursday arrested a police inspector posted in Bengaluru for allegedly accepting a ₹4 lakh bribe from a builder. The officer is accused of demanding ₹5 lakh in return for removing the builder’s name from a cheating case registered earlier.
According to Lokayukta officials, the complainant, a builder, was one of the accused in a cheating case and his name figured in the first information report (FIR). The builder alleged that the police inspector offered to extend “relief” in the case and ensure that his name was dropped from the investigation, provided a bribe was paid.
Officials said the deal was allegedly structured in instalments. As part of the arrangement, the builder had earlier paid ₹1 lakh in cash, while the remaining amount was to be handed over later.
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Trap laid after formal complaint
Distressed by the alleged demand, the builder approached the Lokayukta police and submitted a formal written complaint. After verifying the allegations and conducting preliminary checks, the Lokayukta team decided to lay a trap to catch the officer in the act.
On Thursday, a meeting was fixed at the City Armed Reserve (CAR) grounds in the Chamarajpet area of Bengaluru. As per the plan, the accused police inspector arrived at the spot in uniform and in an official vehicle.
The builder then handed over ₹4 lakh in cash, which had been treated with phenolphthalein powder as part of the trap operation. Immediately after the money changed hands, Lokayukta officers, who were monitoring the exchange, moved in and detained the inspector.
Subsequent chemical tests conducted on the spot confirmed the presence of phenolphthalein traces on the officer’s hands, indicating that he had handled the tainted currency.
Alleged misuse of official position
Lokayukta officials said the cheating case involved the builder and two other accused. It is alleged that the police inspector misused his official position by promising to influence the investigation and drop the builder’s name from the case in exchange for money.
Following the arrest, a case was registered against the accused under relevant provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act. Officials said all procedural requirements were followed during the operation to ensure the case withstands legal scrutiny.
Further probe underway
The Lokayukta police stated that the arrested officer would be produced before a competent court, after which further investigation would be carried out. Investigators are also examining whether any intermediaries or other officials were involved in the alleged bribery demand.
Authorities said they are analysing digital records, call data and financial transactions linked to the accused to determine whether similar demands were made in other cases. Records related to cases handled by the officer are also expected to be reviewed as part of the wider probe.
Parallel action reveals disproportionate assets
On the same day, Lokayukta officials carried out a separate operation involving a former official of the Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board (KIADB). During searches conducted at multiple locations, officers allegedly unearthed assets worth over ₹26.5 crore, believed to be disproportionate to the known sources of income of the official.
The seized properties reportedly include multiple residential houses, plots and agricultural land spread across different locations in Karnataka. Further investigation is underway in that case as well.
Lokayukta officials said the twin actions underline the agency’s continued focus on tackling corruption across departments. “Strict action will be taken wherever irregularities are detected, irrespective of rank or position,” an official said.
The latest arrest has once again brought the spotlight on issues of accountability and integrity within the police system, even as the Lokayukta’s proactive role is being seen as a strong message against corruption in public office.
About the author – Rehan Khan is a law student and legal journalist with a keen interest in cybercrime, digital fraud, and emerging technology laws. He writes on the intersection of law, cybersecurity, and online safety, focusing on developments that impact individuals and institutions in India.
