Two IPS officers caught in extortion scandal

One of the biggest extortion scandals in Karnataka’s history has come to light, implicating two IPS officers who were formerly associated with the Lokayukta. These senior officials allegedly misused their authority to extort crores of rupees from government officers by threatening them with Lokayukta raids.

According to credible sources, these officers, along with a network of agents, intimidated officials from various departments and collected massive amounts of money. Instead of taking action against the corrupt, they allegedly used the threat of raids to collect bribes, even bypassing constables and targeting high-ranking officials directly.

The collected money, running into several crores, was reportedly invested in cryptocurrency, particularly Bitcoin. Investigations have revealed solid evidence, including recorded statements and communications. Lokayukta officials trapped an agent named Ningappa, who was collecting money in coordination with excise department officers. He allegedly extorted money under the pretext of an impending Lokayukta raid.

Further inquiry indicates that Ningappa maintained regular contact with Lokayukta SP Srinath Joshi and shared a portion of the extorted money with him. Joshi has now been suspended from duty following these revelations. Both officers are currently under investigation, and their activities have sent shockwaves across the state administration.

The scandal marks another dark chapter in the state’s administrative history, where those entrusted with upholding the law allegedly turned protectors of corruption. The Lokayukta has promised a thorough probe, and disciplinary as well as legal action is expected to follow swiftly.