Thu Jan 09 10:32:33 UTC 2025: ## Karnataka Officials Arrested for Bribery

**SHIVAMOGGA, January 9, 2025** – The Karnataka Lokayukta police arrested Hassan City Municipal Council Commissioner T.N. Narasimhamurthy and Assistant Executive Engineer K.R. Venkatesh on Thursday for allegedly accepting a bribe. The officials were caught red-handed accepting ₹1.5 lakh from a contractor to release a payment of ₹10.5 lakh owed for cleaning work performed during the Hasanamba festival.

The contractor had previously filed a complaint with the Lokayukta police, leading to the sting operation conducted by Inspectors Shilpa K. and Balu H.N. Despite attempts by some CMC members to intervene and defend Mr. Venkatesh, the Lokayukta police maintained the arrest was conducted according to procedure.

This arrest follows a recent Lokayukta operation that apprehended Deputy Director of Public Instructions H.K. Pandu and office superintendent A.S. Venugopal Rao on bribery charges. Both officials have been remanded to judicial custody. The ongoing investigations highlight a continuing concern regarding corruption within Karnataka’s administrative structures.

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