Mangaluru: In a major anti-corruption operation, Lokayukta police on Thursday arrested a case worker from the land reforms section of Puttur taluk tahsildar’s office while accepting a bribe of ₹12,000. The official was allegedly demanding the amount to facilitate the issuance of a No Objection Certificate (NOC) required for the sale of a plot of land.

Land ownership dispute led to demand

According to Lokayukta officials, the complainant’s uncle had secured 65 cents of land in Nettanige Mudur village under the regularisation scheme nearly 27 years ago. Before his demise, he executed a will naming the complainant as the sole owner. In order to dispose of the land, an NOC from the tahsildar was required.

Despite submitting an application for the NOC in December 2024, the complainant did not receive any response from the office. Upon making inquiries on June 26, 2025, the case worker, identified as Sunil, allegedly demanded ₹10,000 for obtaining the tahsildar’s signature, along with an additional amount for himself, taking the total to ₹12,000.

Trap laid by Lokayukta police

Based on a formal complaint, Lokayukta police set up a trap and caught Sunil red-handed while accepting the bribe. The arrest was made under the guidance of Lokayukta SP (in-charge) Kumarachandra, led by DySP Dr Gana P Kumar, and supported by inspectors Bharati G, Chandrashekhar K N, Ravi Pawar and other Lokayukta personnel.

Officials revealed that the role of the tahsildar of Puttur taluk, who is reportedly absconding, is also under investigation. Authorities are examining whether the official had any direct involvement in the bribery case or if there is a larger corruption network within the office.

Continuing crackdown on corruption

The Lokayukta police have intensified their efforts to curb corruption in government offices, particularly in revenue and land-related departments where complaints of bribery are frequently reported. Citizens have been urged to approach the Lokayukta helpline to report any instances of officials demanding illegal gratification.

With further investigation underway, officials are expected to submit a detailed report, including forensic verification of the currency notes used in the operation, and initiate legal proceedings against all those found complicit in the offence.