In a major anti-corruption action, BJP MLA Chandru Lamani from Karnataka’s Shirahatti constituency was arrested by the Karnataka Lokayukta for allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs 5 lakh.

According to officials, the bribe was part of an alleged total demand of Rs 11 lakh from a contractor to facilitate approvals related to a minor irrigation department project in Gadag district. The project involved constructing retaining walls along both sides of a road.

The complainant, Vijay Pujar, a Class-1 contractor, approached Lokayukta police after allegedly being asked to pay the bribe. Acting on the complaint, officials conducted a trap operation and caught the MLA red-handed while accepting part of the demanded amount.

Two aides of the MLA, Manjunath Valmiki and Gurunaik, were also detained for their suspected role in facilitating the bribe transaction.

The case has been registered under the Prevention of Corruption Act, and officials have seized evidence. Authorities confirmed that further investigation is underway to determine the full extent of the corruption and ensure accountability.