Karnataka BJP MLA Chandru Lamani Arrested for Bribery
Karnataka BJP MLA Dr. Chandru Lamani was apprehended by the Lokayukta police on February 21, 2026, for allegedly accepting a bribe of ₹5 lakh. The arrest occurred during a sting operation at his hospital in Laxmeshwar town, Gadag district, following a contractor's complaint about an alleged demand of ₹11 lakh for clearing irrigation project works. Two of Lamani's personal assistants were also taken into custody.
Key Highlights
- BJP MLA Chandru Lamani arrested for accepting bribe.
- Lokayukta police conducted the sting operation in Gadag.
- Contractor complained about a demand of ₹11 lakh.
- ₹5 lakh bribe was allegedly accepted by the MLA.
- Two personal assistants also arrested in the case.
- The case involves an irrigation project in Gadag district.
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Dr. Chandru Lamani, representing the Shirahatti Assembly constituency in Karnataka's Gadag district, was arrested on February 21, 2026, by the Lokayukta police for allegedly accepting a bribe of ₹5 lakh. The arrest was made during a sting operation conducted at Lamani's Balaji Hospital in Laxmeshwar town. The operation followed a complaint filed by a Class-1 contractor, Vijay Pujar, who alleged that the MLA demanded a total of ₹11 lakh for clearing works related to a minor irrigation department project. This project involved the construction of retaining walls along a road.
According to reports, Pujar approached the Lokayukta police after Lamani allegedly demanded a commission. After verifying the complaint, the Lokayukta police meticulously planned and executed a trap. During the sting operation, Lamani was allegedly caught red-handed accepting ₹5 lakh as an advance payment towards the larger demand. Two of Lamani's personal assistants, identified as Manjunath Valmiki and Guru Naik, were also apprehended during the operation. It was reported that one of the assistants attempted to discard ₹50,000 of the bribe money by throwing it into the compound of a nearby private school.
The Lokayukta police recovered the ₹5 lakh from the MLA and his assistants, along with an additional ₹4.50 lakh found at the hospital. The case has been registered under Section 7(a) read with Section 7(A) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988. The operation was led by Gadag Lokayukta SP Siddalingappa, DySP Vijay Biradar, and Inspector Paramesh Kavatagi.
This incident has drawn significant attention, with political reactions also surfacing. The Congress-led state government took a jibe at the BJP, labeling themselves as "very honest." This arrest is seen as a setback for the BJP, especially since the party had previously targeted the ruling Congress government over allegations of corruption and commission demands.
It is noteworthy that Dr. Chandru Lamani previously served as a taluk health officer before resigning in 2021 to contest the 2023 Assembly elections on a BJP ticket. A complaint regarding discrepancies in issuing OPD slips had been registered against him during his tenure as a health officer. His supporters reportedly protested outside the hospital following his arrest, alleging a conspiracy by political figures.
The Prevention of Corruption Act aims to curb corruption among public servants. The act defines bribery as the offering, giving, receiving, or soliciting of any valuable thing to influence the actions of an official or other person acting in an official capacity. In this case, the alleged bribe was demanded for facilitating approvals and execution of works under the Minor Irrigation Department.
The case is ongoing, with further investigations underway to gather more evidence and understand the full extent of the alleged corruption. The arrest of an elected representative in a bribery case highlights the persistent challenge of corruption in public life and the role of anti-corruption agencies like the Lokayukta in upholding accountability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Chandru Lamani?
Chandru Lamani is a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA representing the Shirahatti Assembly constituency in the Gadag district of Karnataka. He was previously a taluk health officer before entering politics.
Why was Chandru Lamani arrested?
He was arrested by the Karnataka Lokayukta police for allegedly accepting a bribe of ₹5 lakh. The arrest was made during a sting operation following a complaint by a contractor who alleged a demand of ₹11 lakh for clearing irrigation project works.
What is the Lokayukta?
The Lokayukta is an anti-corruption ombudsman in India, established to investigate allegations of corruption against public servants and government officials.
What was the alleged bribe for?
The alleged bribe was reportedly demanded by MLA Chandru Lamani from a contractor for facilitating approvals and execution of works related to a minor irrigation department project, which included the construction of retaining walls.