Bengaluru: In a major anti-corruption operation, the Karnataka Lokayukta Police on Wednesday trapped a police inspector attached to the KP Agrahara Police Station while he was allegedly accepting a bribe of ₹4 lakh. The accused officer has been identified as Govindaraju, a police inspector, who was caught red-handed at the Chamarajpet Central Armed Reserve (CAR) Grounds at around 4.30 pm.

The trap followed a complaint filed by Mohammed Akbar, a city-based builder, who accused the inspector of demanding a total bribe of ₹5 lakh in exchange for extending favours in connection with a criminal case. Acting on the complaint and supporting evidence, Lokayukta officials laid a trap and apprehended the officer at the spot while he was allegedly receiving the remaining amount.

Complaint triggered Lokayukta action

According to Lokayukta Police sources, Mohammed Akbar approached the anti-corruption agency alleging that Inspector Govindaraju had demanded ₹5 lakh to provide relief in a case registered at the KP Agrahara Police Station. Akbar stated that he had already paid ₹1 lakh to the officer on January 24, 2026, near Sirsi Circle in Bengaluru.

The complainant further alleged that the inspector instructed him to hand over the remaining ₹4 lakh on Wednesday at a location decided by the officer. Based on this information, the Lokayukta Police planned a trap operation to catch the officer while accepting the bribe.

Officials said Akbar cooperated fully with the investigators and followed their instructions during the trap proceedings.

Inspector caught red-handed

On Wednesday afternoon, the complainant met the inspector at the Chamarajpet CAR Grounds as instructed. As soon as the accused officer allegedly accepted the bribe amount of ₹4 lakh, the Lokayukta Police team, which was closely monitoring the transaction, intervened and caught him red-handed.

The tainted currency notes were recovered from the possession of the accused, and preliminary procedures were carried out at the spot in the presence of witnesses. The inspector was later taken into custody for further questioning.

Senior Lokayukta officials confirmed that the operation was conducted following due legal process and that all formalities under the Prevention of Corruption Act were complied with.

Allegations of earlier extortion

In his complaint, Akbar also alleged that this was not the first instance of the inspector demanding money. He claimed that in late 2025, Govindaraju had allegedly extorted ₹6 lakh in connection with a separate dispute involving some of Akbar’s associates.

To substantiate his allegations, the complainant submitted a pen drive to the Lokayukta authorities containing audio recordings purportedly capturing conversations related to the bribe demands. Officials said the digital evidence would be sent for forensic examination as part of the investigation.

“The complainant has alleged multiple instances of bribery and has provided electronic evidence in support of his claims. All aspects will be thoroughly investigated,” a Lokayukta Police officer said.

FIR registered under Prevention of Corruption Act

Based on the complaint, recovery of cash and preliminary verification, the Lokayukta Police registered a First Information Report (FIR) against Inspector Govindaraju under Section 7(a) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, which deals with public servants taking gratification other than legal remuneration.

Officials said further investigation is underway to determine whether other officials were involved and to verify the allegations related to earlier bribe payments. Searches and additional inquiries may be conducted as part of the probe.

The accused officer is expected to be produced before a competent court after the completion of initial investigation procedures.

Renewed focus on corruption within police force

The incident has once again brought the issue of corruption within the police force into focus. The Karnataka Lokayukta Police have, in recent years, intensified efforts to act against public servants accused of demanding and accepting bribes, including officials from revenue, police and urban local body departments.

Senior officers reiterated that citizens should not give in to illegal demands and instead approach anti-corruption agencies with credible information. “Such operations are possible only when complainants come forward. The Lokayukta Police encourage the public to report corruption without fear,” an official said.

Conclusion

The arrest of a serving police inspector on bribery charges underscores the Lokayukta’s continued crackdown on corruption in public offices. As the investigation progresses, the case is expected to send a strong message against abuse of authority and reinforce the importance of accountability within the law enforcement system.