Chandru Lamani Arrested by Lokayukta in Alleged ₹11 Lakh Bribery Case
Gadag: In a significant political development, BJP MLA Chandru Lamani, who represents the Shirahatti Assembly constituency, was allegedly caught red-handed while accepting a bribe and taken into custody by the Karnataka Lokayukta on Saturday.
The arrest took place in Laxmeshwar town of Gadag district after Lokayukta police laid a trap as part of an anti-corruption operation. According to officials, the case has been registered under relevant sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act, and further investigation is underway.
Allegations of ₹11 Lakh Demand
Lokayukta officials said Lamani had allegedly demanded ₹11 lakh from a Class One contractor, identified as Vijay Poojar, in connection with the allotment of a project under the Minor Irrigation Department.
The project reportedly involved the construction of retaining walls along both sides of a road. During the operation, the MLA was allegedly caught accepting ₹5 lakh — part of the total amount allegedly demanded.
His government personal assistant, Manjunath Valmiki, and private aide, Guru Lamani, were also detained and questioned as part of the probe.
The trap was conducted under the leadership of Dharwad Lokayukta Superintendent of Police Siddalingappa.
Searches and Political Fallout
Following the arrest, Lokayukta officials carried out searches at Balaji Hospital in Laxmeshwar, which is owned by the MLA. Authorities said more details are expected as the investigation progresses.
The development is being viewed as a setback for the BJP in Karnataka, especially as the party has been vocal in accusing the Congress-led state government of corruption and demanding commissions from contractors.
A Reminder of Past Cases
The arrest comes amid memories of another high-profile case involving former BJP MLA Madal Virupakshappa in 2023.
Virupakshappa was named the main accused in a bribery case linked to Karnataka State Soaps and Detergents Limited after his son was allegedly caught accepting ₹40 lakh. Subsequent raids reportedly led to the recovery of over ₹8 crore in cash, along with gold, silver ornaments and significant property investments.
His anticipatory bail was later rejected by the Karnataka High Court.
News Source : Information for this article was gathered from a variety of reliable news outlets.
