Lokayukta traps Dharwad tahsildar; ₹50 lakh seized

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Lokayukta office in Bengaluru. Lokayukta Police had caught the official red-handed near Karnatak College in Dharwad on September 16, 2026. | Photo Credit: File photo

The Lokayukta Police arrested Dharwad tahsildar Sachchidanand Kachanur while he was allegedly taking ₹50 lakh as bribe for rectification of records. He was remanded in 14-day judicial custody by the Lokayukta Special Court in Dharwad on September 17.

The Lokayukta sleuths had caught Mr. Kachanur red-handed late at night near Karnatak College in Dharwad on September 16. He was produced in court on September 17. He was remanded to judicial custody till October 1.

According to Lokayukta Police, the official had allegedly demanded ₹1 crore in two instalments of ₹50 lakh each, besides one acre of land, in connection with changes to the title records of a 33-acre plot in Yerikoppa village, located around 12 km from Dharwad on the Pune-Bengaluru National Highway.

The landowner, Manjunath of Bagalkot, allegedly approached the Lokayukta police after the demand was made. Acting on his complaint, the officials registered a case. The Lokayukta police seized ₹50 lakh in cash during the operation.

The Lokayukta Police is investigating the circumstances surrounding the alleged demand, including whether any other persons were involved. The police are also examining documents relating to the mutation and title-transfer process concerning the Yerikoppa property.

Lokayukta officers described the operation as a major one considering the involvement of a serving Revenue Department official and the amount of cash seized. Further investigation is on.

Speaking to presspersons, Union Minister Pralhad Joshi urged Karnataka’s Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar to order a judicial inquiry into the case. He said that he had information that some Congress leaders were present when the cash was being handed over, and alleged that they were sent away from the scene by the sleuths under pressure. He demanded a thorough inquiry into the alleged involvement of Congress leaders in the case.

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