Why Were Top Excise Officials Arrested for a Rs 25 Lakh Bribe?
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Synopsis
In a shocking turn of events, Karnataka Lokayukta officials have arrested three Excise Department officials, including a Deputy Commissioner, for allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs 25 lakh. This incident raises serious questions about corruption within the department and highlights the ongoing fight against graft in India.
Key Takeaways
- Three Excise Department officials were arrested for accepting a bribe.
- They allegedly demanded a total of Rs 80 lakh.
- The Lokayukta police conducted a successful sting operation.
- The arrested officials have been charged under the Prevention of Corruption Act.
- This incident has raised questions about corruption in public offices.
Bengaluru, Jan 17 (NationPress) Karnataka Lokayukta agents detained the Deputy Commissioner alongside two other officials from the Excise Department for allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs 25 lakh in exchange for a bar licence, an official confirmed on Saturday.
The suspects reportedly demanded a total bribe of Rs 80 lakh and were apprehended while taking the first payment, the official added.
A statement released by the Lokayukta revealed that three officials were arrested following a complaint made by C. Lakshminarayana. The complainant had sought a bar licence (CL-7) from the Excise Department.
The arrested individuals include Jagadeesh Naik, Excise Deputy Commissioner; K.M. Thammanna, Superintendent of Excise; and Lakkappa Gani, Excise Constable, all associated with the Office of Bangalore Urban District-8.
The accusation states that Deputy Commissioner Jagadeesh Naik and Superintendent Thammanna solicited a bribe of Rs 80 lakh to issue the CL-7 licence and a microbrewery licence.
Lakshminarayana contacted the Lokayukta police, who set up a sting operation and caught them in the act while receiving a bribe of Rs 25 lakh. Excise Constable Lakkappa Gani, allegedly involved in delivering the bribe, was also taken into custody.
The Lokayukta police are currently pursuing further investigations. The arrests have created significant unrest within the Excise Department, prompting a detailed inquiry to reveal any additional corrupt practices.
The suspects have been charged under the provisions of Section 7(a) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, as per the statement.
In June 2025, Karnataka Lokayukta officials apprehended a senior officer from the Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board (KIADB) in Bengaluru after he was caught accepting a Rs 1.5 lakh bribe in a sting operation related to the approval of sketches and permissions.
In May 2025, Lokayukta police executed a sting in Bengaluru and arrested a police inspector and sub-inspector from Kempegowda Nagar Police Station for accepting a Rs 1 lakh bribe from a complainant seeking assistance in a criminal case.
In Mangaluru, Lokayukta police captured three officials from the Land Records Department for allegedly accepting bribes totaling around Rs 30,000 from an outsourced employee for processing salary bills and contract extensions in November 2025.
Point of View
It's crucial to recognize that incidents like these highlight the persistent battle against corruption within government sectors. The swift action by the Lokayukta in apprehending these officials underscores the importance of vigilance in maintaining integrity in public service. This incident should serve as a wake-up call for all departments to strengthen their systems and ensure accountability.
NationPress
17/01/2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who were the officials arrested in this case?
The arrested officials include Jagadeesh Naik, the Excise Deputy Commissioner; K.M. Thammanna, the Superintendent of Excise; and Lakkappa Gani, an Excise Constable.
What was the total amount of bribe demanded?
The officials allegedly demanded a total bribe of Rs 80 lakh, of which Rs 25 lakh was accepted as the first instalment.
What action was taken by the Lokayukta?
The Karnataka Lokayukta police conducted a sting operation based on a complaint and arrested the officials while they were accepting the bribe.
What are the legal charges against the accused?
The accused have been charged under Section 7(a) of the Prevention of Corruption Act.
What implications does this incident have for public service?
This incident raises serious concerns about corruption within public service and highlights the need for improved oversight and accountability mechanisms.
