Bengaluru: A Joint Commissioner of the Commercial Tax (JCCT) Department was caught red-handed by the Karnataka Lokayukta on Wednesday while allegedly accepting a bribe in the city.
Bribe details and arrest
The officer, Ramanuja, posted in Appeal-6, Shantinagar, was reportedly trapped while accepting Rs 25,000 of the Rs 75,000 bribe he had allegedly demanded from advocate D H Guruprasad of Chitradurga district.
According to the Lokayukta, the bribe was allegedly sought to grant an appeal order in the complainant’s favour. The operation was carried out following a complaint lodged by Guruprasad, prompting a sting by the anti-corruption authorities.
Role of Lokayukta
The Karnataka Lokayukta, empowered to investigate corruption in public offices, acted swiftly on the complaint. A detailed release stated that the officer’s actions violated ethical and legal codes, and the matter is now under investigation to determine the full extent of the alleged corruption.
Lokayukta officials have emphasised that such measures are part of ongoing efforts to curb corruption in the state administration and ensure accountability of public servants.
Implications for the department
The incident has raised concerns about corruption within the Commercial Tax Department, especially in cases involving appeals and revenue-related disputes. Advocates and taxpayers often face pressure to pay bribes to expedite official procedures, making such anti-corruption interventions critical.
Experts say that sting operations and surprise checks by agencies like the Lokayukta act as deterrents against malpractice and protect the rights of citizens.
Conclusion
The Karnataka Lokayukta’s action against the JCCT officer highlights the continued vigilance against corruption in the state. The authorities have assured strict legal action and warned that public servants involved in bribery will face severe consequences, reinforcing the commitment to transparent governance