Mangaluru: In a major crackdown, the Karnataka Lokayukta police in Mangaluru apprehended Krishnaveni, Deputy Director of the Department of Mines and Geology, while she was allegedly accepting a bribe of ₹50,000 through her driver. The bribe was reportedly linked to a pending file regarding land levelling and removal of building stones.

As per the Lokayukta’s press release, a complaint was filed after the applicant — representing a GPA holder — sought permission on October 28, 2024, to level 0.35 acres of land and extract stones from Survey No. 279/5 in Ira village, Ullal taluk. Although the Ullal tahsildar gave a green signal in March 2025 recommending clearance, the department delayed action.

When the complainant visited the Mines office for an update, Krishnaveni allegedly demanded the bribe via staff member Pradeep. Acting swiftly, Lokayukta officials laid a trap and caught her red-handed accepting the money through driver Madhu. A formal case has been registered against Krishnaveni and Pradeep.

The operation was led by DySP Dr. Gana P Kumar under the supervision of SP (in-charge) Kumarachandra, with support from inspectors of Mangaluru and Udupi Lokayukta divisions.

Controversial Past Comes to Light
Krishnaveni has previously faced multiple allegations. Her public defence of the sand mafia drew criticism and backlash, especially after she dismissed live footage as “stock video.” Daijiworld TV challenged her claims and demanded transparency.

She was also issued a show-cause notice in March for skipping the Janatha Darshana programme in February. Moreover, her residence was raided by Lokayukta teams just months into her Mangaluru tenure.

The investigation is ongoing.

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