Daijiworld Media Network - Puttur (SP)

Puttur, Jun 27: The Lokayukta caught Bhaskar (58), district officer of Khadi and Village Industries Board, Karnataka red-handed while accepting bribe for releasing subsidy relating to a loan availed by an industrialist in Kadaba in the taluk on Friday June 26.

Johnson C J from Ulippu of Kutruppady village near here had started a printing press in Kadaba by availing a loan of Rs 4.40 lac under the Prime Minister's Rozgar Yojana. He was eligible for a subsidy of Rs 1.62 lac from Karnataka Khadi and Village Industries Board. Bhaskar, district officer of the Board, allegedly held up the release of the subsidy and demanded a sum of Rs 65,000 as bribe.

As the officer did not budge, Johnson negotiated with him to prune down the demand to Rs 37,500. But he could not pool this much money, and talked to a local leader named K T Philip about it. Philip asked him to contact the Lokayukta. As suggested by the district Lokayukta police, Johnson invited the officer to his press. Bhaskar arrived at the press on Friday afternoon to collect the first installment of Rs 10,000 from Johnson. As soon as Johnson handed over currency notes treated with chemicals to the officer, the Lokayukta policemen, who were waiting outside, apprehended him.

Lokayukta deputy superintendent of police Sadanand Varnekar guided the operation. Inspector Uday Naik and staff took part.