Gadag/Bengaluru: The Karnataka Lokayukta on Friday conducted a successful trap operation in Gadag district, securing BJP MLA Dr. Chandru Lamani of Shirahatti constituency along with two of his aides in an alleged bribery case.
According to the official press release issued by the Lokayukta, the case (Cr. No. 02/2026) has been registered under Sections 7(a) read with 7(A) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988. The complainant, Vijay Pujar, a Class-1 contractor from Chinchali in Gadag district, alleged that a bribe of ₹11 lakh was demanded in connection with execution of a Minor Irrigation Department work involving construction of retaining walls on both sides of a road.
Lokayukta officials stated that during the trap operation, ₹5 lakh was allegedly received as part of the agreed amount. Dr. Chandru Lamani, along with his official and private personal assistants, Manjunath Valmiki and Gurunaik, were secured during the operation.
The raid was conducted at Balaji Hospital in Lakshmeshwar, which is reportedly associated with the MLA. The operation was led by Sri Paramesh Kavatagi, PI-1, KLA Gadag, under the supervision of the Deputy Superintendent of Police, Lokayukta Gadag, and under the guidance of the Superintendent of Police, Lokayukta Dharwad.
Sources indicate that the alleged demand was initially around 12 percent of the contract value and was later negotiated to 11 percent, amounting to ₹11 lakh. The trap was executed when ₹5 lakh was allegedly being handed over as the first installment.
All three accused have been secured, and further investigation is in progress, the Lokayukta confirmed.
The development has triggered fresh political debate in the state, particularly amid ongoing allegations of commission demands in public works.
ಇದನ್ನೂ ಓದಿ: ಲೋಕಾಯುಕ್ತ ಬಲೆಗೆ ಶಿರಹಟ್ಟಿ ಬಿಜೆಪಿ ಶಾಸಕ ಡಾ. ಚಂದ್ರು ಲಮಾಣಿ: ₹5 ಲಕ್ಷ ಲಂಚ ಸ್ವೀಕರಿಸುವಾಗ ಅರೆಸ್ಟ್
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