In a major crackdown on corruption, the Lokayukta police arrested a commercial taxes department inspector, Nijanandamurthy M.R., for allegedly accepting a ₹20 lakh bribe to facilitate the illegal transportation of paan masala consignments into Bengaluru.
The arrest took place near Nagarabhavi on Thursday, when Nijanandamurthy was allegedly caught red-handed while receiving cash from one Manoj M., a transporter linked to the operation.
According to Lokayukta officials, the action followed leads about widespread corruption within the department, where officials were allegedly aiding in the illegal movement of paan masala shipments from Delhi to Bengaluru via the national highway. The racket is suspected to have caused crores of rupees in losses to the state exchequer, as paan masala is subject to heavy taxation under GST laws.
The operation was led by Pavan Najjur, Superintendent of Police, Lokayukta (Bengaluru Rural), and culminated in the swift arrest of the accused officer.
Nijanandamurthy has been booked under the Prevention of Corruption Act, and further investigations are underway to identify other officials who may be involved in the illegal network.
The Lokayukta authorities emphasized that strict action will be taken against any government officials found facilitating tax evasion or engaging in corrupt practices.
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