The FIR names inspector A V Kumar, constables Umesh and Ananth, all stationed at Annapoorneshwari Nagar, as well as four others: C P Gavi Gowda, Divya, Somashekar Aradhya, and Dinesh. The accused individuals have been booked under the Prevention of Corruption Act.
According to sources from the Lokayukta, a case had been filed at the Annapoorneshwari Nagar Police Station by Somashekar Aradhya against Anusha, a government employee and the wife of civil contractor Channe Gowda.
Anusha allegedly claimed that inspector Kumar coerced her into giving up her house, valued at Rs 4 crore, in exchange for ensuring the filing of a closure report in the case.
Channe Gowda, Anusha’s husband, is said to have provided video evidence in which rowdy elements were seen being sent to their residence to intimidate the family. Furthermore, the Inspector is accused of pressuring Anusha to sign certain documents, including an agreement, under duress.
Reports suggest that Inspector Kumar had even made arrangements to have the property registered in the name of one of his relatives.
Sources also revealed that the Inspector called Anusha to a private hotel in Nagarbhavi last week, intending to obtain her signature on the documents. However, the Lokayukta police intervened, conducting raids that forced Inspector Kumar to flee the scene.
In addition to the police officers, two constables and three others have been detained for questioning, and an investigation is ongoing. Ironically, it was only last week that Inspector Kumar was due to receive the chief minister’s medal for exemplary service. However, following the raids, he went absconding and remains at large.
The controversy stems from a complaint lodged by Somashekar Aradhya in 2024, wherein he accused Anusha and her husband of taking Rs 60 lac from him in relation to a property deal. Aradhya allegedly sought the return of the amount, but when Anusha reportedly refused, he approached Inspector Kumar for assistance. It is alleged that the inspector then used his position to pressure Anusha into giving up her property in exchange for the case being closed.
The case has caused significant public outcry, as it raises serious concerns about police misconduct and abuse of power.