A Dharwad tehsildar was reportedly caught red-handed by Karnataka Lokayukta officials while allegedly accepting a ₹50 lakh bribe in connection with a land-related matter. The incident took place in Dharwad on Wednesday night and has drawn attention because of the size of the alleged payment.
According to a report by The Indian Express, Dharwad Tahsildar Sacchidanand Kuchanoor was arrested by Lokayukta officials at around 9:30 pm while allegedly receiving the cash. The officer was subsequently produced before a magistrate and remanded to judicial custody.
Land Dispute Led to Lokayukta Complaint
The case reportedly relates to land at Yerikoppa village, around 12 km from Dharwad along the Pune-Bengaluru highway.
According to Lokayukta officials cited in the report, a landowner with around 33 acres had approached the authorities regarding approval to declare 13 acres unsuitable for farming, with the intention of facilitating the development of a residential layout.
The officer allegedly demanded ₹1 crore in cash and one acre of land in connection with the approval, according to the complaint and investigation reported by The Indian Express.
Lokayukta Sets Up Trap
After receiving the complaint, Lokayukta officials reportedly planned a trap operation. The complainant was instructed to meet the officer and hand over the demanded amount.
The meeting was initially scheduled for the evening, but the officer was reportedly unavailable. Later, according to investigators, the complainant was instructed to meet him near Karnataka Arts College in Dharwad.
The officer allegedly arrived in his car at around 9:30 pm, at which point Lokayukta officials intervened after the cash was handed over. The ₹50 lakh was reportedly seized at the scene.
Why the Land Was Considered Valuable
The land involved is reportedly located close to major institutions and infrastructure in the Dharwad area, including IIT Dharwad and the Karnataka High Court’s Dharwad Bench.
The report noted that land prices in the area have increased significantly over the years. Officials estimated that the 13-acre parcel involved in the proposed approval could be worth around ₹15 crore.
Tehsildar Arrested
Following the alleged trap, Lokayukta officials arrested Kuchanoor. The case is now subject to the legal process and investigation.
The allegations against the officer remain allegations unless and until established through the appropriate legal proceedings.
The incident has once again brought attention to the role of anti-corruption agencies in investigating complaints involving government officials. Karnataka Lokayukta has previously conducted trap operations and investigations involving alleged illegal gratification and disproportionate assets.
