Mangaluru: The Lokayukta Police of Mangaluru division arrested Peruvai Gram Panchayat President Nafisa and Bill Collector William in Bantwal taluk on Saturday for allegedly demanding and accepting a bribe of Rs 10,000.
Complaint over borewell sanction
The case arose from a complaint filed by a villager regarding a government scheme for borewell sanction. The complainant’s 75-year-old uncle, who owns an acre of agricultural land in Peruvai village, had applied in 2024 under the government’s Special Component Plan and Tribal Sub-Plan. However, his name was not included in the beneficiaries list.
In May 2025, the family reapplied for sanction. Despite repeated visits by the complainant’s wife to the Panchayat office, there was no clear response. On September 2, when the complainant approached Panchayat President Nafisa, she allegedly demanded a bribe of Rs 10,000 to be paid to the Bengaluru office to ensure the work would be completed.
When the complainant expressed his inability to pay, he was turned away. On September 4, Nafisa allegedly repeated the demand.
Lokayukta trap and arrest
Following the complaint, the Lokayukta Police organised a trap operation. On Saturday, Bill Collector William accepted Rs 10,000 from the complainant on Nafisa’s instructions. Both were caught red-handed by the Lokayukta team.
The operation was led by Superintendent of Police (in-charge) Kumarachandra, assisted by DySP Dr Gana P Kumar, Inspector Suresh Kumar P, Inspector Bharti G, Inspectors Chandrashekar KN, Ravi Pawar, and other Lokayukta personnel.
Investigation underway
A case has been registered, and both Nafisa and William are in custody. The Lokayukta Police confirmed that further investigation is ongoing to determine if more officials were involved in the alleged bribery.
Conclusion
The arrests highlight the vigilance of the Lokayukta in tackling corruption at the grassroots level. The case also underscores the challenges faced by farmers and villagers in accessing government benefits without harassment or illegal demands.