News Flash Daily
03 March
Bhadravati BEO Nagendrappa A.K. and middleman arrested red-handed while accepting ₹1 lakh bribe; probe underway under Prevention of Corruption Act
Shivamogga: In a major anti-corruption operation, the Karnataka Lokayukta Police arrested Bhadravati Block Education Officer (BEO) Nagendrappa A.K. and an intermediary, Manjunath Lingaraju, while they were allegedly accepting a bribe from a government school teacher. The arrest was carried out in Bhadravati taluk, and officials confirmed that further investigation is ongoing.
According to Lokayukta officials, the BEO allegedly demanded illegal gratification to process annual salary increments and other government allowances pending for several years. The complainant, teacher Lingaraju, who serves at a government school in Bhadravati taluk, had formally applied for clearance of his annual increments, allowances, and service-related benefits pending from 2011 to 2023.
Bribe Demand of Rs. 4 Lakh Alleged
Investigators said the accused BEO allegedly demanded Rs. 4 lakh to clear the long-pending financial benefits. The teacher reportedly faced repeated bribe demands every time he visited the BEO’s office to follow up on his legitimate dues.
Complaint Triggers Lokayukta Action
Unable to tolerate the continued harassment, the teacher lodged a formal complaint on March 2 at the Shivamogga Lokayukta Police Station. Acting swiftly, Lokayukta officials initiated a probe and registered a case under Section 7(a) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 (as amended in 2018).
Trap Laid, Accused Caught Red-Handed
On Monday evening at around 7 pm, Lokayukta officials laid a carefully planned trap at the Bhadravati BEO office. The accused were caught red-handed while accepting Rs1 lakh as bribe money from the complainant teacher. Both Nagendrappa A.K. and intermediary Manjunath were immediately taken into custody for questioning.
“The accused were apprehended while receiving bribe money. The case sends a clear message that corruption in public offices will not be tolerated,” a Lokayukta official said.
Investigation Under Senior Officer’s Supervision
The operation was conducted under the leadership of Lokayukta Police Inspector Veerabasappa L. Kusalapur of the Shivamogga unit. Officials stated that the case serves as a strong deterrent to corrupt public servants, particularly those handling sensitive matters related to education and teachers’ welfare.
Authorities confirmed that the investigation is continuing, and further legal action will follow based on the evidence collected.
