New Delhi: A BJP MLA, Chandru Lamani, was allegedly caught red-handed for taking a Rs 5 lakh bribe. Later on, the authorities detained Lamani for questioning, but after a trap operation, he was formally arrested.
Lamani is an MLA from Karnataka’s Shirahatti Assembly constituency, and the amount of Rs 5 lakh was a part of a total Rs 11 lakh bribe. According to the officials, the bribe was allegedly sought to facilitate approvals for a minor irrigation department project in Gadag district.
Class-1 contractor from Gadag, Vijay Pujar, filed a complaint after Lamani asked him to pay Rs 11 lakh as a bribe to secure the necessary clearances for the project. Vijay approached the anti-corruption authorities to look into the matter.
The Lokayukta police laid a movie-style trap for Lamani, in which he was allegedly caught accepting the Rs 5 lakh bribe. The operation was successfully finished under the supervision of senior officers.
Two others were also arrested
Lamani’s two aides, Manjunath Valmiki and Gurunaik, were also detained by the police for further investigation. Now, authorities are gathering evidence and recording statements as all three are being questioned at the same time.
Lokyukta officials registered the case under the Prevention of Corruption Act as the officials seized the material during the operation, and now an investigation is underway to get the full context of wrongdoing.
The operation was a significant development in Karnataka’s anti-corruption efforts. Officials confirmed that they are determining the roles of all involved in the case, as the chief accused is now under arrest.