Is Another Karnataka Cop Caught Accepting a Bribe?
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Key Takeaways
Tumakuru (Karnataka), Jan 31 (NationPress) In a shocking revelation, a Police Sub-Inspector, Chetan Kumar, from the Tumakuru Rural Police Station, was apprehended by Lokayukta officials while allegedly accepting a bribe to facilitate the release of a vehicle that had been seized in a legal matter, according to the Lokayukta's statement on Saturday.
The vehicle was owned by an advocate based in Bengaluru, and the PSI is said to have solicited a bribe of Rs 5 lakh for its return. Late on Friday night, around 11.30 pm, Chetan Kumar was caught in the act of taking Rs 40,000 as an initial bribe at the Namaste Tumakuru Hotel, located near Kyathsandra.
Following the operation, Lokayukta police interrogated the PSI and subsequently presented him in court. He has been charged under Section 7(a) of the Prevention of Corruption Act. A complaint was lodged by Nagesh S.K., a resident of Nagadevanahalli in Bengaluru.
The Lokayukta disclosed that the bribe was received through an intermediary. The PSI is currently in custody as investigations continue.
Additionally, another officer, Inspector Govindaraju, stationed at Bengaluru's K.P. Agrahara police station, was also caught by Lokayukta officials on the same day, accepting a bribe of Rs 4 lakh to remove a person's name from a chit fund fraud case.
Govindaraju was ensnared while receiving the bribe at the CAR Grounds on Mysuru Road. Lokayukta Superintendent of Police, Shivaprakash Devaraj, reported that the inspector had previously accepted Rs 1 lakh on January 24, as part of a total bribe demand of Rs 5 lakh related to a case lodged under the Banning of Unregulated Deposit Schemes (BUDS) Act, 2019.
“The inspector was caught red-handed while taking money from the complainant, Akbar, near the Chamarajapete CAR Ground. The bribe was allegedly taken to exclude the accused from the case,” the SP stated.
Govindaraju has been arrested under the Prevention of Corruption (PC) Act and is now in judicial custody.
Reports indicate that Inspector Govindaraju created a disturbance during his arrest and exhibited aggressive behavior while being apprehended. A video has surfaced showing the inspector causing a scene during the bribe acceptance.
The footage reveals Lokayukta officials managing to take him into custody despite his violent actions. At one moment, six Lokayukta officials were seen restraining the inspector as he acted out, shouting and causing a dramatic spectacle.