Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (SP)

Bengaluru, Jun 24: The Lokayukta police have failed to prove that a head constable had accepted bribe of Rs 20, even after hearing went on in Lokayukta court here for three years. As per an estimate, legal formalities in this case have cost the exchequer several lacs of rupees.

In this case, in spite of the amount involved being petty, the Lokayukta police had evinced lot of interest and put in efforts. The currency notes reportedly accepted as bribe was sent to forensic science laboratory for testing in June, 2015. After investigation, a charge sheet containing 180 pages had been filed in the court during March, 2016. Hearing in the case began in September, 2016. The case was handled in seven hearings with 29 witnesses and 25 exhibits. Three judges had heard and conducted trial in this case. On May 10, the court pronounced the accused as not guilty.

Owner of a Biryani stall opposite Manyatha Tech Park here, Christie, had complained to the Lokayukta police, alleging that head constable, Narayan L, had demanded payment of Rs 20 in the form of bribe. Lokayukta police conducted raid during August 2014 and filed case against the head constable. Strangely, the accused was not caught red-handed by the police. They primarily relied on the audio clip provided by the complainant to support their claim. No other reliable evidence was provided.

The case fell off due to goof up on the part of Lokayukta police and lack of enthusiasm on the part of the complainant. Even after having been served with notices twice and serving of summons, the complainant failed to appear in the court. Lokayukta police were found to have failed to even follow the basic norms relating to execution of their 'trap' operation. The advocate for the defendant had brought to the notice of the judge that 'trap' operations are not valid unless the three points of demand, acceptance, and recovery are proved.