Senior Health Inspector Arrested in Bribery Case by Lokayukta Police

The Lokayukta police on Tuesday arrested a senior health inspector of the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), also known as the Greater Bengaluru Authority, for allegedly accepting a bribe to issue a trade licence. The accused, Shrijesh N.K., 52, is attached to the Chickpet division at Sajjan Rao Circle.

According to officials from the Lokayukta—the anti-corruption ombudsman of Karnataka—the inspector had allegedly demanded a sum of ₹15,000 from a pharmacy owner for processing and issuing the necessary licence. The complainant, Nanjegowda B.S., 41, who runs a pharmacy business in Devarachikkanahalli, approached the Lokayukta after the official's demand. As per the complaint, the accused had already accepted ₹5,000 on June 15 and was pressing for the remaining amount.

Based on the complaint, the Lokayukta registered a case under Section 7(a) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, which deals with a public servant taking gratification other than legal remuneration in respect of an official act. A trap was then laid to catch the accused in the act. The operation resulted in the inspector being caught red-handed while accepting the balance ₹10,000 from the complainant. He was promptly arrested under the provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act.

Trade licences are mandatory for businesses in Bengaluru, and BBMP health inspectors are responsible for verifying compliance and issuing these permits. The Lokayukta conducts such trap operations as part of its mandate to check corruption in public offices. Officials stated that further investigation is underway to determine if the accused was involved in similar offences and whether there was any larger network or systemic abuse.

The arrested officer remains in custody as the investigating agency prepares to file a chargesheet. The case highlights the continuing challenge of petty corruption at the municipal level, where small business owners often face demands for bribes to obtain routine permits. The Lokayukta has urged the public to report such demands promptly to ensure swift action.