Panchayat Development Officer Arrested in Bribery Case

Bengaluru: On Tuesday, Padmanabh, a Panchayat Development Officer at Kundana Gram Panchayat in Devanahalli taluk, was arrested by the Lokayukta police on bribery charges.

According to Lokayukta officials, Padmanabh allegedly demanded a ₹5 lakh bribe from electrical contractor Mallikarjuna to grant permission for laying underground cables in a private layout under Kundana Panchayat’s jurisdiction. Reports indicate that Padmanabh had already received an advance of ₹3 lakh and was apprehended while accepting the remaining ₹2 lakh.

This is not the first time Padmanabh has faced allegations. He was previously accused of misappropriating government funds in Boodihal village, Nelamangala taluk, and his house was recently raided by the Lokayukta.

The case is currently under investigation by the Lokayukta police.