Karnataka Cop Caught Accepting Bribe, Second in a Day

January 31, 2026

TUMAKURU/BENGALURU, INDIA — In a rapid succession of anti‑corruption actions, a Karnataka Police Sub‑Inspector was caught red‑handed accepting a bribe to release a seized vehicle, marking the second police bribery case within 24 hours in the state. The latest arrest comes just a day after a Bengaluru police inspector was trapped by Lokayukta officials for allegedly taking a ₹4 lakh bribe in connection with dropping a man’s name from a cheating case.

Sub‑Inspector Trapped in Bribe for Releasing Seized Vehicle

On Friday night, Lokayukta sleuths in Tumakuru district laid a trap and apprehended Police Sub‑Inspector Chethan Kumar S after he allegedly demanded a bribe in exchange for releasing a seized car. According to Lokayukta officials, the officer initially demanded ₹5 lakh from the complainant, Nagesh S K, for returning a vehicle that had been impounded by police but later reduced the demand to ₹1 lakh. When Nagesh approached to deliver the requested advance, Lokayukta officers caught Chethan Kumar accepting ₹40,000 in cash and took him into custody.

The Lokayukta Police have registered a case against the sub‑inspector under relevant sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act, and the investigation into the incident is ongoing as authorities try to determine whether more officials were involved in the alleged scheme.

Followed by Another Bangalore Bribe Trap

This arrest came just a day after another police officer was caught in a separate bribery case in Bengaluru. Lokayukta officials trapped and arrested Inspector Govindaraju, posted at the KP Agrahara police station, for allegedly accepting a ₹4 lakh bribe from a builder. The officer was accused of demanding ₹5 lakh to remove the complainant’s name from a cheating case and earlier taking ₹1 lakh on January 24 before being trapped while collecting the balance amount at the City Armed Reserve (CAR) Grounds in Chamarajpet.

Both cases highlight intensified anti‑corruption efforts in Karnataka, with the Lokayukta police actively acting on complaints and using trap operations to hold public servants accountable. In the Bengaluru case, Govindaraju was taken into custody under the Prevention of Corruption Act and is being processed for further legal action.

Public Trust and Police Accountability

These consecutive bribery arrests have sparked public debate over corruption within the police force, especially when officers entrusted with law enforcement allegedly exploit their authority for personal gain. Critics argue that such cases erode public confidence in law enforcement and underscore the need for stronger oversight, transparency and disciplinary action within the police ranks. Supporters of anti‑corruption agencies, on the other hand, see the new arrests as proof that vigilant enforcement and citizen complaints can lead to accountability, even among law enforcement personnel.

The Karnataka Lokayukta Police have reiterated their commitment to rooting out corruption and urged citizens to come forward with complaints whenever they face demands for unlawful payments from public officials. Authorities also noted that further arrests or departmental actions could follow as investigations proceed.