The Lokayukta police in Bengaluru on Wednesday trapped and caught a police inspector for accepting an alleged bribe of ₹4 lakh in connection with a chit fund-related case.
Attached to the K.P. Agrahara police station inspector Govindaraju was allegedly caught demanding money from a man, threatening to implicate him in a chit fund related cheating case if the bribe was not paid.
Acting on the complaint, the Lokayukta police laid a trap and allegedly caught the officer red-handed while accepting the bribe near the CAR Ground, Sirsi Circle.
The incident where Govindaraju was captured by his fellow officers became quite a spectacle at the Sirsi Circle as the ‘corrupt’ police officer shouted in agony whilst being arrested to gain public sympathy.
What happened with Govindaraju?
As per the latest police statement on the matter, Govindaraju has been booked under the Prevention of Corruption Act and taken into custody. Further investigation is under way to ascertain whether others were involved.
Meanwhile, in a separate corruption case, the 77th Additional City Civil and Sessions Court, Bengaluru, recently sentenced S. Srinivasa Murthy, former Deputy Commissioner of Excise, Chickballapur district, to three years of simple imprisonment in a disproportionate assets (DA) case.
Internet reacts
The arrest of Inspector Govindaraju wasn’t just a legal procedure; it was a street-side drama that has since exploded on social media. As footage of plain-clothed undercover officers wrestling with the uniformed inspector went viral, the “internet jury” was quick to deliver its verdict.
“The performance deserves an Oscar, but the Khaki deserves better. Shouting for sympathy after demanding 4 lakhs? Irony died a thousand deaths today,” quipped one X (formerly Twitter) user.
The visual of undercover sleuths looking like everyday citizens taking down a uniformed officer struck a chord with those concerned about institutional integrity.
“Extremely shameful behavior. It’s a parade of disgrace. There are over 1 lakh police persons in Karnataka who feel let down by such action while wearing Khaki,” another user commented.