MP Lokayukta SP removed in Bhopal amid sting bribe video row
Synopsis
The agency meant to fight corruption in Madhya Pradesh is now fighting a credibility crisis of its own. A viral sting video alleging bribe demands of up to ₹5 lakh by Lokayukta personnel in Bhopal has triggered a sweeping reshuffle of SP-rank officers and a string of suspensions — raising uncomfortable questions about internal accountability at the state's premier anti-graft body.
Key Takeaways
Madhya Pradesh Lokayukta DG Yogesh Deshmukh ordered a three-division SP reshuffle on 5 June following a viral bribe sting video.
Lokayukta personnel were allegedly caught demanding bribes of up to ₹5 lakh to dilute corruption cases and manipulate evidence.
Durgesh Kumar Rathore moved from Bhopal to Sagar; Sunil Patidar takes charge in Bhopal; Yogeshwar Sharma shifted to Rewa.
Two DSPs returned to parent department; suspension recommended to DGP Kailash Makwana .
Head constable Ramdas Kurmi , constable Gaurav Sahu suspended; contractual driver Amit Vishwakarma terminated.
The Madhya Pradesh Lokayukta organisation has carried out a sweeping reshuffle of Superintendent of Police (SP)-rank officers across three divisions, days after a sting video allegedly showing its personnel in Bhopal demanding bribes of up to ₹5 lakh went viral. The transfer orders, issued on 5 June by Yogesh Deshmukh, Director General of the Lokayukta, direct all officers to assume charge at their new postings with immediate effect.
The Transfers
Durgesh Kumar Rathore, who was serving as Lokayukta SP in the Bhopal division, has been moved to the Sagar division. In his place, Sunil Patidar — previously posted as SP in the Rewa division — has been assigned charge of the Bhopal unit. Simultaneously, Yogeshwar Sharma, the SP in Sagar, has been shifted to Rewa, completing a three-way rotation across the divisions.
What the Sting Video Alleged
A media outlet's undercover operation reportedly captured Lokayukta employees demanding bribes of up to ₹5 lakh to dilute corruption cases and manipulate evidence, including voice samples. The footage spread rapidly online, drawing sharp public scrutiny of the very agency constitutionally tasked with investigating corruption by public servants in Madhya Pradesh. This comes amid a broader period of high-profile Lokayukta activity, including raids that recovered gold, cash, and luxury assets from accused government officials.
Suspensions and Terminations
The personnel action extends beyond transfers. Two Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSPs) have had their services returned to the parent Police Department, and a letter was sent to DGP Kailash Makwana recommending their suspension. Head constable Ramdas Kurmi and constable Gaurav Sahu have been suspended, while a proposal for the suspension of another head constable is pending. Contractual driver Amit Vishwakarma has been terminated from service.
Intent Behind the Overhaul
Sources indicated that the reshuffle is aimed at restoring public confidence and ensuring impartial functioning of the anti-corruption body. Rathore, known for leading raids on the Bhopal Municipal Corporation's computer wing, is expected to bring operational experience to Sagar. Patidar, recognised for a strict approach in earlier postings, is seen as a steadying presence for the sensitive Bhopal division. Whether these personnel changes are sufficient to address systemic concerns about internal oversight will likely determine the credibility of the clean-up drive going forward.
Point of View
But they address symptoms, not structure. The Lokayukta has no independent internal affairs mechanism — complaints loop back through the same chain of command the sting allegedly exposed. Until oversight of the watchdog is genuinely independent, reshuffles risk being optics rather than reform.
NationPress
5 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the Bhopal Lokayukta SP transferred?
The Bhopal Lokayukta SP, Durgesh Kumar Rathore, was transferred to the Sagar division following the viral circulation of a sting video that allegedly showed Lokayukta personnel demanding bribes of up to ₹5 lakh to dilute corruption cases. The transfer is part of a broader administrative reshuffle ordered by Lokayukta DG Yogesh Deshmukh.
What did the Lokayukta sting video show?
The sting, conducted by a media outlet, reportedly captured Lokayukta employees in Bhopal demanding bribes of up to ₹5 lakh to water down corruption investigations and manipulate evidence, including voice samples. The video went viral and triggered immediate administrative action.
Who has been suspended or terminated in the Lokayukta bribe case?
Head constable Ramdas Kurmi and constable Gaurav Sahu have been suspended. Two DSPs have been sent back to the parent Police Department with a suspension recommendation forwarded to DGP Kailash Makwana. Contractual driver Amit Vishwakarma has been terminated from service.
Who is the new Lokayukta SP in Bhopal?
Sunil Patidar, previously posted as SP in the Rewa division, has been assigned as the new Lokayukta SP in Bhopal. He is recognised for a strict approach in earlier postings and is expected to strengthen oversight in the division.
Is this the first corruption scandal involving the MP Lokayukta?
The Lokayukta has maintained a strong recent record of anti-corruption raids, recovering gold, cash, and luxury assets from public servants. However, this sting is a significant internal integrity episode — it is not the first time personnel from the organisation have faced disciplinary action, though the viral nature of the video has given it unusual public visibility.
