In a dramatic anti-corruption operation, the Karnataka Lokayukta police in Mangaluru apprehended Deputy Director of Mines and Geology, Krishnaveni, while allegedly accepting a ₹50,000 bribe through her driver. The bribe was reportedly demanded to clear a file regarding stone removal and land levelling in Ira village.

The complainant, acting on behalf of a land GPA holder, had submitted the application in October 2024. Despite a favourable report from the Ullal tahsildar in March 2025, the department withheld clearance. When the applicant pursued the matter, Krishnaveni allegedly called staffer Pradeep and demanded the bribe.

Based on the complaint, Lokayukta police registered a case against Krishnaveni and Pradeep. On May 28, Krishnaveni was caught red-handed accepting the money via her driver, Madhu. All three individuals are now in custody.

The operation was executed under SP (in-charge) Kumarachandra’s direction. It was led by DySP Dr. Gana P Kumar with support from inspectors of both Mangaluru and Udupi Lokayukta units.

Krishnaveni is no stranger to controversy. Since her posting in Mangaluru, she has been accused of shielding illegal sand mining and faced strong criticism from the media and political leaders. She was previously issued a show-cause notice for skipping a Janatha Darshana event and was subject to a Lokayukta raid early in 2024, just months after taking charge.

This incident adds to her growing record of alleged misconduct.