Bengaluru: A dramatic video showing a police inspector screaming and resisting arrest after being allegedly caught red-handed while accepting a bribe has gone viral on social media, triggering widespread outrage and embarrassment for the police department. The incident comes a day after the officer was apprehended by Lokayukta police in connection with a bribery case involving Rs 4 lakh.
The inspector, identified as Govindaraju, was attached to the K P Agrahara police station in the city. According to Lokayukta officials, the video surfaced on Friday, January 31, a day after the trap operation was conducted on January 29. In the footage, Govindaraju is seen in full police uniform, shouting uncontrollably while being restrained by Lokayukta personnel as they attempt to take him into custody.
Alleged demand and trap operation
The Lokayukta police stated that the trap followed a complaint filed by Md Akbar, a 42-year-old city resident. Akbar alleged that Inspector Govindaraju had demanded a bribe of Rs 5 lakh in exchange for helping him in connection with a case registered at the K P Agrahara police station.
Based on the complaint, Lokayukta officials laid a trap. During the operation, Govindaraju was allegedly caught while receiving Rs 4 lakh from the complainant. Officials further revealed that the inspector had already collected Rs 1 lakh earlier, making the total alleged bribe amount Rs 5 lakh.
Following the trap, a case was registered against Govindaraju under relevant provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act. Lokayukta police said that the tainted cash was recovered during the operation and all procedural formalities were followed.
Details of the complainant’s case
According to police sources, Md Akbar had earlier been booked in a cheating case at the same police station. It is alleged that Inspector Govindaraju offered to help Akbar secure bail and provide favourable assistance in the case in return for the bribe.
Officials said such cases highlight how vulnerable accused persons or complainants can be exploited by corrupt officers who misuse their authority. The Lokayukta police noted that the investigation would also examine whether any other officials were involved or had benefited from the alleged bribery.
Viral video draws sharp reactions
The video of the inspector’s arrest quickly spread across social media platforms, drawing sharp reactions from the public, civil society members and former police officials. Many users expressed anger and disappointment over the conduct of a senior police officer, particularly the manner in which he behaved while in uniform.
Former Bengaluru Police Commissioner Bhaskar Rao strongly condemned the incident, stating that it had brought disrepute to the entire police force. In a post on social media platform X, Rao described the behaviour as “extremely shameful” and “another instance of disgraceful conduct in uniform”.
“There are over one lakh police personnel in Karnataka who feel let down by such actions while wearing khaki,” Rao said, emphasising that the misconduct of a few officers damages the morale and reputation of thousands of honest personnel serving the public.
Impact on public trust
The incident has once again raised serious concerns about corruption within the police force and its impact on public trust. Citizens and activists have pointed out that videos of officers being caught in corruption cases further weaken confidence in law enforcement, particularly among those who approach police stations seeking justice or protection.
Legal experts note that while trap cases by the Lokayukta act as a deterrent, repeated instances suggest the need for stronger internal monitoring mechanisms, regular sensitisation programmes and swift departmental action against erring officers.
Lokayukta’s role and ongoing probe
The Karnataka Lokayukta has, in recent years, intensified its efforts to crack down on corruption in government departments, including the police. Officials said that further investigation in this case is underway to gather additional evidence, record statements and complete procedural requirements before filing a charge sheet.
The accused inspector is expected to be produced before a court, and departmental suspension and disciplinary proceedings are also likely, as per standard protocol in corruption cases involving public servants.
Conclusion
The arrest of Inspector Govindaraju and the viral video of his conduct have once again brought the issue of police corruption into sharp focus. While the Lokayukta’s swift action demonstrates institutional checks at work, the incident underscores the urgent need to strengthen accountability, restore public trust and ensure that the police uniform symbolises integrity rather than abuse of power.