New Delhi: Lokayukta police in Karnataka on Saturday arrested Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Chandru Lamani red-handed while taking a bribe in a major corruption case. Lamani, MLA from Shirahatti assembly constituency of Gadag district, is accused of demanding a bribe of Rs 11 lakh from a contractor for getting government work like construction of a retaining wall on the roadside and was caught while accepting Rs 5 lakh from him.
In this action, his two associates, Manjunath Valmiki and Gurunayak, have also been detained. The police have registered a case under the Prevention of Corruption Act and started an investigation.
How did this whole matter unfold?
According to officials, the matter came to light when Vijay Pujar, a first class contractor from Gadag district, lodged a complaint with the Lokayukta office. The contractor alleged that the MLA demanded a total of Rs 11 lakh to smoothly run the work of building security walls on both sides of the road under the Minor Irrigation Department and to provide facilities like payment of bills. After receiving the complaint, the Lokayukta team planned a trap operation. During the same time, under the guidance of the District Magistrate and police officers, the MLA was caught taking the first installment of a bribe of Rs 5 lakh.
What action did the Lokayukta take?
The Lokayukta police team carried out this raid and trap operation under the supervision of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and senior officials. During the action, Lamani along with his close associates Manjunath Valmiki and Gurunayak, was also detained from the spot. A case has been registered against the accused under relevant sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 and investigation is ongoing. Officials are saying that all the facts are being studied in detail and necessary legal action will be taken forward.
How was the political reaction?
After the arrest of the MLA, the turmoil in the political environment has intensified. State Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivkumar said in a sarcastic tone that BJP leaders are very honest and the Lokayukta may have received wrong information. While supporting the Lokayukta action, Congress made it clear that any kind of action against corruption should be supported. On the other hand, BJP state president B.Y. Vijayendra said that he will give a detailed statement after verifying the facts. Many supporters and local activists are protesting this action calling it a political conspiracy.
Are there allegations against the MLA’s associates also?
Yes. Local police and Lokayukta officials said that the matter is not limited to the MLA only. The investigation revealed that both the assistants—Manjunath Valmiki and Gurunayak—were also involved in the bribery process. He was also detained from the spot and his interrogation is ongoing. Police are now finding out whether apart from these, any other people have any connection with this network.
What is the message of anti-corruption action?
Experts believe that this action of Lokayukta is being seen as a strong warning against corruption in Karnataka. This move signals that no matter how high a position a person holds, if he is found involved in corrupt activities, he will be held accountable as per the law. This has created a situation of alertness and fear among other government officials also.
What further steps can the Lokayukta inquiry take?
Officials have clarified that the investigation is incomplete and further statements will be recorded, evidence analyzed, bank transactions examined and documents related to the project will be reviewed. Apart from this, information can also be taken from the contractor and other people so that the complete picture of the matter comes out. In such corruption cases, both evidence and detailed investigation play an important role so that strict action can be taken if found guilty.
This incident can be called a recent example of activation of anti-corruption monitoring systems and legal action against political officials in Karnataka.
