Mohan Kuthar
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore

Mangalore, Jun 13: The Lokayukta on Friday June 13 caught a senior official of the Ullal town municipal council (TMC) red-handed while accepting a bribe of Rs 50,000.

Chetan S Kolavi, chief executive officer of the Ullal TMC, was caught after the Lokayukata, based on a complaint by civil contractor Guruprakash, laid a trap for him.

As per Guruprakash's complaint, Chetan Kolavi had demanded 16 percent of a Rs 17.5-lac project, and refused to sign the documents to initiate the project unless he was paid the money.

Guruprakash then informed the Lokayukta police, and as per their instructions, told Chetan that he would pay him Rs 50,000 as first installment.

Accordingly, on Friday, when Guruprakash contacted him to give the money, Chetan first asked him to meet him at Thokkottu, then told him to come to Kapikad. He again changed plans and asked him to come home.

Meanwhile, the officials of the Lokayukta kept a keen watch, and just as Chetan was about to accept the money (Rs 50,000), they barged into his house and caught him, besides seizing the money.

Following the operation, the Lokayukta officials decided to conduct a full-fledged raid on Chetan's residence and inspection is still on.