Karnataka Lokayukta Court Exposes Corruption: Police Stations Turned into Bribery Hubs

Bengaluru- The Special Court for Lokayukta Cases recently declined to grant bail to a police inspector from KR Puram police station on charges of bribery. It has been alleged that the inspector demanded Rs 50,000 to not arrest a couple till they get anticipatory bail.

The court said that it is not acceptable that police stations have become business centres due to corruption.

Police should be humble, honest, service-oriented, and protect innocent people. But unfortunately, police stations have become business centres because of corruption. If this is not stopped, it will definitely become a challenge and send the wrong message to society where the voiceless, helpless and poor are likely to become the victims of police officers, the judge said in a statement.

This assertion came in light of a case involving KR Puram police inspector Vajramuni K, who was arrested by the Lokayukta police for allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs 50,000 to refrain from arresting a couple until they obtained anticipatory bail.

The court's decision to deny bail to Vajramuni K was based on concerns raised by the prosecution regarding potential threats to witnesses and the integrity of the investigation if the accused were released. Judge KM Radhakrishna emphasized the necessity of custodial interrogation to ensure that the investigation proceeds in the right direction.

Echoing the sentiments of the Lokayukta, the judge emphasized the importance of police officers embodying traits such as humility, honesty, and a commitment to serving the community and protecting the innocent. However, the prevalence of corruption within police stations, as highlighted by this case, undermines these principles and erodes public trust in the system.

Sub-inspector Ramya N, also implicated in the bribery case, was granted conditional bail due to her pregnancy and health issues.

On March 12, Ramya secured the accused couple for questioning. When their advocate visited the station, Ramya sought Rs 5 lakh bribe not to arrest them till they get anticipatory bail.

However, she agreed for Rs 2 lakh, of which her share was Rs 50,000. The rest was to be given to Vajramuni.

She took two blank cheques from the couple. However, Vajramuni made a WhatsApp call later and sought Rs 3 lakh from the advocate, who recorded the conversation.

On March 14, Vajramuni and Ramya were trapped and arrested by the Lokayukta police.