The Karnataka Lokayukta, Mangaluru division, registered a case against Police Inspector Mohammed Sharif and station writer Nagarathna of the Mangaluru North Traffic Police Station for allegedly demanding bribes to release a complainant’s scooter as ordered by a court.

As per a Lokayukta press release, the complainant approached Inspector Sharif following a court directive to retrieve their scooter. Sharif reportedly demanded ₹5,000 but referred the complainant to station writer Nagarathna when a reduction was requested. Nagarathna allegedly insulted the complainant and demanded ₹3,000.

Refusing to pay for a legitimate process, the complainant informed the Lokayukta police. On January 27, Lokayukta officials executed a sting operation and caught Inspector Sharif and constable Praveen Naik red-handed while accepting the bribe. Both have been detained, and an investigation is ongoing.

The operation was led by Dr. Nandini B N, superintendent of police (in-charge), Karnataka Lokayukta, Mangaluru, and involved a team including Deputy SP Dr. Gana P Kumar and officers from the Udupi and Mangaluru Lokayukta units.

This incident highlights ongoing efforts to combat corruption within public services and the importance of citizens standing up against bribery.