Karnataka Official Caught Taking Rs 50 Lakh Bribe in Locayukta Raid

The Locayukta, Karnataka's anti-corruption agency, conducted a major operation in Dharwad district and apprehended a tahsildar accepting a bribe of Rs 50 lakh. The arrest was made during a covert sting operation as the official completed the illegal transaction.

According to the Locayukta investigation, the tahsildar had solicited the substantial sum from a citizen in exchange for facilitating amendments to land records and approving a property subdivision application. The bribe demand underscores persistent corruption within revenue administration in the state, where officials responsible for land management have frequently faced allegations of misconduct.

The Locayukta's swift intervention prevented the completion of the transaction in its entirety and has triggered a formal case against the accused official. The anti-corruption body has indicated that the investigation will examine whether other officials were involved in the scheme or if similar demands had been made from other citizens.

The arrest adds to growing concerns about transparency in Karnataka's land administration system. The state government has faced repeated pressure to strengthen oversight mechanisms and expedite disciplinary action against corrupt revenue officials to restore public confidence.