Bengaluru: In a major embarrassment for the BJP, one of its MLAs in Karnataka was arrested on Saturday on bribery charges.
Chandru Lamani, legislator from Shirahatti Assembly constituency, was allegedly caught red-handed by Karnataka Lokayukta police while accepting a bribe of Rs 5 lakh, which was apparently part of a total demand of Rs 11 lakh.
According to officials, the bribe was sought to give approval for a Minor Irrigation Department work in Gadag district.
After Vijay Pujari, a class-1 contractor, lodged a complaint accusing the
MLA of demanding Rs 11 lakh as bribe, Lokayukta officials planned a trap targeting the Minor Irrigation Department’s retaining wall project, where the ‘deal’ was allegedly unfolding.
As Pujari handed over Rs 5 lakh in cash during the dramatic sting operation, Lokayukta officials pounced on Lamani, catching him red-handed.
Lamani, along with two of his personal assistants — Manjunath Valmiki and Gurunath — were also taken into custody for their involvement in a brazen corruption racket.
According to officials, the trio functioned as a unit, and pressured the contractor for kickbacks in return for smooth project approvals and execution.
The case has been registered under provisions of Prevention of Corruption Act.
Material evidence was seized during the operation and further investigation is underway to establish the full extent of their involvement and wrongdoing, potential accomplices, and any similar demands made earlier.