Lokayukta cracks down on corruption, BJP MLA caught red-handed taking ₹5 lakh bribe; PA also arrested
Gadag (The Uttam Hindu): A major corruption case has surfaced in Karnataka politics. The Karnataka Lokayukta police arrested a sitting MLA from the Bharatiya Janata Party while allegedly accepting a bribe from a contractor. Chandru Lamani, MLA from the Shirahatti Assembly constituency in Gadag district, was caught red-handed while taking ₹5 lakh as part of a larger bribe demand. The arrest has created a stir in the state’s political and administrative circles.
₹11 lakh bribe demanded for retaining wall project
According to officials, the bribe was allegedly demanded for approving a roadside retaining wall construction project. The MLA is accused of seeking ₹11 lakh from a contractor to facilitate project clearance. When he accepted ₹5 lakh as the first installment, the Lokayukta team, which had laid a trap in advance, arrested him on the spot. The bribe amount and relevant evidence were seized during the operation.
Trap laid after contractor’s complaint
The action followed a formal complaint by Vijay Pujar, a Class-1 contractor from the Minor Irrigation Department and a resident of Chinchali in Gadag district. He alleged that the MLA and his associates were demanding commission in exchange for project approval. Based on the complaint, the Lokayukta registered a case under Sections 7(a) and 7(A) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 (Crime No. 02/2026) and executed the trap operation.
PA and associate also taken into custody
The MLA’s personal assistant, Manjunath Valmiki, and another close associate, Gurunayak, were also detained during the operation. All three accused are currently in custody and are being questioned to uncover the full extent of the alleged corruption network.
Operation conducted under senior supervision
The sensitive trap operation was carried out by a special team from the Gadag Lokayukta Police Station. Police Inspector Paramesh Kavatagi led the action under the supervision of senior officers, including the Gadag DSP and the Dharwad SP. Officials stated that all evidence related to the bribe demand and acceptance is being examined carefully, and further legal proceedings will follow after the investigation is completed