Mangaluru: Bajpe police inspector Balakrishna, who was arrested by Lokayukta police for allegedly accepting a bribe to release money seized in a cheating case, has been remanded to 14 days of judicial custody by a court.

According to the details available, the inspector had allegedly demanded Rs 25,000 from victims in exchange for returning money seized by the police in connection with a fraud case registered at Bajpe police station.

Inspector caught accepting second instalment

The Lokayukta police had received information about the alleged demand and subsequently laid a trap.

Balakrishna had reportedly already accepted Rs 15,000 as an advance from the victims. He was allegedly caught red-handed while accepting a further instalment of Rs 5,000.

The arrest followed the trap operation carried out by the Lokayukta police in connection with the alleged bribery.

The case relates to money that had been seized during the investigation of a cheating case registered at Bajpe police station. The victims had allegedly been asked to pay the bribe for the release of the seized amount.

Court rejects hospital request

After his arrest, the Lokayukta police produced Balakrishna before the court on Tuesday.

During the court proceedings, the inspector reportedly cited health issues and sought permission to be admitted to a hospital.

The judge, however, rejected the request and remanded him to 14 days of judicial custody.

The court’s decision means that Balakrishna will remain in judicial custody as the proceedings in the bribery case continue.

Inspector suspended from duty

Following his arrest by the Lokayukta police, Balakrishna has also been officially suspended from duty, sources confirmed.

The suspension comes amid the ongoing legal proceedings arising from the alleged bribery case.

The Lokayukta investigation is expected to examine the circumstances surrounding the alleged demand and acceptance of money, including the handling of the amount seized in the cheating case.

The case has brought scrutiny to the conduct of police officials in dealing with seized property and money connected with criminal investigations.