The Karnataka Lokayukta police caught a constable in Kalaburagi while accepting a bribe of ₹20,000. His accomplice, another constable, managed to flee the scene during the raid.

  • Constables Parashuram and Veeresh of Brahmapur Police Station accused of extortion.
  • Lokayukta trap caught Parashuram red-handed with ₹20,000.
  • Accomplice Veeresh escaped before identification.
  • Victim was threatened with the externment of his son.

In a significant crackdown on corruption, the Karnataka Lokayukta police on Thursday apprehended a police constable in Kalaburagi while he was allegedly accepting a bribe of ₹20,000. The incident has sent shockwaves through the local police department, highlighting deep-seated issues of extortion within the ranks.

The accused individuals, identified as Parashuram and Veeresh, were both stationed at the Brahmapur Police Station. According to official reports, the duo allegedly targeted Kanna Raju Patil, a resident of Bapu Nagar, using intimidation tactics to extort money. They reportedly threatened to have his son, Karthik, externed from the area by falsely accusing him of involvement in theft and robbery.

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The Extortion Scheme

The investigation revealed a systematic demand for money. The complainant alleged that the policemen frequently visited his residence to harass his family. Initially, the accused demanded a total of ₹1 lakh, of which they had already collected ₹50,000 as an advance. The recent arrest occurred when they demanded an additional ₹20,000 to settle the matter.

Systemic corruption within local police stations undermines the very foundation of community policing and public trust.

Acting on a formal complaint, the Lokayukta police laid a strategic trap. As Parashuram was accepting the ₹20,000, the officers moved in to make the arrest. However, the operation saw a partial escape; the second accused, Veeresh, sensed the presence of the undercover officers and managed to flee the scene before he could be identified.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that such incidents of 'protection money' or extortion by law enforcement officers create a vacuum of trust between the citizenry and the state. When officers use the threat of legal action (like externment) to facilitate bribery, it necessitates stringent departmental oversight and swift judicial action.

Historical Background: The Lokayukta is an anti-corruption ombudsman in several Indian states, established to investigate allegations of corruption against public servants. In Karnataka, the Lokayukta has historically played a pivotal role in uncovering high-profile scams and administrative malpractice.

Did You Know?: 'Externment' is a legal process where a person is ordered to leave a specific area for a period to prevent them from committing further crimes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1: Who are the accused in this case?
Answer: The accused are constables Parashuram and Veeresh from the Brahmapur Police Station.

Question 2: What is the status of the investigation?
Answer: Parashuram is in custody, while the Lokayukta police are actively searching for the absconding constable, Veeresh.