Tumakuru PSI arrested by Lokayukta while accepting bribe of rs 40K

Tumakuru, : In a major anti-corruption operation, Lokayukta officials have taken Tumakuru Rural Police Station PSI Chetan Kumar into custody after credible evidence emerged that he allegedly demanded a bribe from a vehicle owner to release a seized car.

According to the complaint, the incident dates back to January 17 when a car belonging to Bengaluru-based advocate Nagesh was intercepted by PSI Chetan Kumar near Kesaramadu in Tumakuru Rural police limits. The officer allegedly claimed that ganja was found in the vehicle and seized the car on that pretext. However, no formal case was registered, and the vehicle was not released, raising suspicion.

It is alleged that instead of initiating legal action, the PSI demanded a bribe to let the matter go. Initially, he reportedly sought Rs 5 lakh from the advocate for releasing the vehicle. After negotiations, the amount was allegedly brought down to Rs 40,000, and a deal was struck.

Frustrated by the harassment, advocate Nagesh approached the Tumakuru Lokayukta police and lodged a formal complaint. Acting swiftly on the information, Lokayukta officials laid a trap to catch the accused officer red-handed.

As part of the plan, PSI Chetan Kumar allegedly directed the complainant to hand over the money at a shop near Kyathsandra toll gate. He even sent the photograph of the person who would collect the cash to the shop owner through mobile phone. When the complainant handed over the money as instructed, Lokayukta officials immediately conducted a raid. During verification of the shop owner’s mobile phone, clear evidence linking the PSI to the bribery attempt was reportedly found.

Based on this evidence, Lokayukta police detained Chetan Kumar for further interrogation. Officials said a detailed investigation is underway, and appropriate legal action will be initiated against the officer.

This incident comes just a day after another corruption case involving a senior police officer in Bengaluru. On Friday, KP Agrahara Police Inspector Govindaraju was arrested by Lokayukta officials while allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs 4 lakh near the CIR Grounds on Mysuru Road. He had reportedly demanded Rs 5 lakh from a person, threatening to implicate him in a chit-fund related case.

The back-to-back incidents have raised serious concerns about growing corruption within the police department. Citizens and activists have expressed outrage, stating that officers entrusted with protecting the law are increasingly misusing their power for personal gain.

Experts believe such cases damage public trust in the police force and highlight the need for stricter monitoring and accountability mechanisms within the department.

Lokayukta authorities have assured that the investigation against PSI Chetan Kumar will be carried out impartially and further details will be revealed after questioning and legal procedures are completed.