Overview
- Lokayukta police in Bengaluru arrested Deputy Commissioner Jagadeesh Naik, Superintendent Thammanna K. M., and constable Lakkappa Gani following a verified bribery complaint.
- Officials were caught accepting ₹25 lakh, alleged to be the first instalment of a ₹80 lakh demand to clear a CL-7 bar licence and a microbrewery licence.
- A case has been filed under Section 7(a) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, and the accused are in custody as investigators examine possible wider involvement.
- BJP Leader of Opposition R. Ashok alleged a ₹2,500 crore bribery racket with fixed rates for various liquor licences and demanded Excise Minister R. B. Thimmapur’s resignation, citing purported audio clips.
- The minister denied complicity, stating he should not be blamed for misuse of his name, and the broader political allegations await verification through the ongoing probe.