Daijiworld Media Network – Bantwal

Bantwal, Aug 13: In a major anti-corruption action, Lokayukta officials raided the Taluk Office here on Wednesday, August 13, in the afternoon and registered a case against three individuals, including a deputy tahsildar, for alleged involvement in a bribery case.

The accused have been identified as deputy tahsildar Rajesh Naik, first division assistant (FDA) Santosh, and Ganesh, a resident of Vamadapadavu, who allegedly acted as a middleman. All three were taken into custody for questioning following the operation.

Sources in the Lokayukta confirmed that a probe is also underway to determine whether the tahsildar himself had any role in the alleged corruption.

The raid was based on a formal complaint filed by Pushparaj, a resident of Sajipamunnur, who alerted authorities to a bribe transaction reportedly taking place through a middleman. Acting on credible intelligence, the Lokayukta team conducted a trap operation near a temple in B C Road, where the bribe money was allegedly being exchanged.

“The exchange of money was intercepted while it was being carried out via the middleman. The officials were caught red-handed,” a Lokayukta officer involved in the operation said.

The operation was led by Lokayukta SP Kumarchandra, with the assistance of DySPs Gana P Kumar and Suresh Kumar, inspectors Chandrashekar, Bharathi, and a team of supporting staff.

Investigators are now collecting evidence and examining the involvement of all parties in the transaction. Further legal proceedings and departmental inquiries are expected as the case develops.