Bidar
In a significant anti-corruption operation, a village accountant was caught red-handed by Lokayukta officials while allegedly accepting a bribe at a roadside dhaba on the outskirts of Maragunda village in Bidar district.
The accused, Shivakumar, serving as the Village Accountant of Maragunda, was allegedly involved in demanding ₹5 lakh from a villager, Mahadev Shantappa, for processing a house mutation. The complainant, unwilling to pay the illegal demand, approached authorities, leading to a planned trap operation.
Acting on the complaint, officials from the Karnataka Lokayukta set up a surveillance operation. During the operation, Shivakumar was caught while accepting ₹2.5 lakh, which was part of the total bribe amount allegedly demanded. The exchange took place at a roadside eatery located near Maragunda, where officials intervened at the right moment and apprehended him.
The raid was conducted under the leadership of Bidar Lokayukta Deputy Superintendent of Police Hanumantharaya. In addition to the main accused, his associate Sharanayya was also taken into custody for questioning.
Preliminary reports suggest that the accused had assured the complainant of quick mutation clearance in exchange for payment, which led to suspicion and eventual reporting of the matter to Lokayukta authorities.
Following the successful operation, a case has been registered against the accused, and further investigation is underway to determine whether the accused was involved in similar corrupt practices in other cases.
Lokayukta officials reiterated that strict action will be taken against public servants involved in corruption and misuse of office. They also encouraged citizens to come forward and report bribery cases without fear, assuring confidentiality and swift action.
The incident highlights the continued vigilance of anti-corruption agencies in Karnataka and their efforts to ensure transparency and accountability in public administration, particularly in rural land and revenue services where such cases are frequently reported.
