Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Aug 28: Lokayukta police on Thursday, August 28 trapped and arrested a case worker attached to the land reforms section of Puttur taluk tahsildar’s office while accepting a bribe of Rs 12,000 from a complainant.

According to officials, the complainant’s uncle had secured 65 cents of land in Nettanige Mudur village under the regularisation scheme nearly 27 years ago. Before his death, he executed a will in favour of the complainant, making him the sole owner. To dispose of the land, a ‘No Objection Certificate’ (NOC) from the tahsildar was required. Despite applying for the NOC in December 2024, no action had been taken.

When the complainant inquired about the delay on June 26, 2025, case worker Sunil allegedly demanded Rs 10,000 for the tahsildar’s signature and an additional amount for himself. Acting on the complaint, Lokayukta police laid a trap and caught Sunil red-handed while accepting Rs 12,000.

Officials said the role of the tahsildar of Puttur taluk, who is reportedly absconding, is also under investigation.

The operation was carried out under the guidance of Lokayukta SP (in-charge) Kumarachandra, led by DySP Dr Gana P Kumar, and supported by inspectors Bharati G, Chandrashekhar K N, Ravi Pawar, and other Lokayukta staff.