In a major anti-corruption operation in Mangaluru, Lokayukta police apprehended a government land surveyor and a middleman while they were caught accepting a bribe. The arrest followed a complaint from a man assisting his elderly mother in acquiring property documents for land located in Kankanady and Bajal villages.
The duo had demanded illegal payments after an application was submitted in February 2025 at the Urban Property Ownership Records (UPOR) office in Mangaluru. Surveyor Nandeesh, who inspected the land in April, initially took a bribe of ₹6,500. Later, an additional ₹20,000 was paid through a mediator named Divakar, a resident of Bejai.
Despite the payments, the surveyor allegedly insisted on a further ₹18,000 to finalize the documentation process. Disturbed by the growing monetary demands, the complainant approached the Lokayukta and submitted supporting evidence of the bribery.
Following the formal complaint, Lokayukta officials initiated surveillance. In June 2025, Nandeesh reportedly accepted ₹15,000 more via Divakar. Eventually, he was caught red-handed while receiving ₹2,000 in person, taking the total bribe amount to ₹43,500.
Both Nandeesh and Divakar were detained for questioning. The sting operation was conducted under the supervision of Acting Superintendent of Police Kumarchandra, with Deputy SP Dr. Gana P Kumar leading the team. Inspectors Suresh Kumar P, Bharati G, and Chandrashekhar KN were also part of the investigative effort.
The case is currently under investigation.
Read Also: