GADAG – In a significant crackdown on political corruption, the Karnataka Lokayukta police on Saturday, February 21, 2026, arrested Dr. Chandru Lamani, the BJP MLA from the Shirahatti constituency. The lawmaker was allegedly caught red-handed while accepting a bribe of ₹5 lakh at a hospital he owns in Laxmeshwar town.
The operation, led by the Gadag Lokayukta unit, also resulted in the detention of the MLA’s two personal assistants: Manjunath Valmiki (government PA) and Guru Naik (private PA).
The Bribery Trap
The arrest followed a formal complaint by Vijay Pujar, a Class-I contractor from Chinchali.
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The Project: The bribe was allegedly linked to administrative clearances for a Minor Irrigation Department project involving the construction of retaining walls along a road.
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The Demand: Investigators revealed that the MLA and his aides had allegedly demanded a total kickback of ₹11 lakh to execute the work.
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The Raid: Acting on the complaint, Lokayukta officials organized a sting operation. As Pujar handed over the first installment of ₹5 lakh in cash, the anti-corruption team swooped in and secured the suspects.
Legal Action and Background
A case has been officially registered under Section 7(a) and 7(A) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988.
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Medical Background: Dr. Lamani, a first-time MLA and a medical practitioner by profession, was elected in the 2023 Karnataka Assembly elections.
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Institutional Search: Following the arrest, Lokayukta teams also conducted searches at Balaji Hospital in Laxmeshwar, which is owned by the MLA, to gather additional evidence.
Political Stir
The arrest has triggered a political storm in Karnataka, as the opposition and the public have raised fresh concerns regarding “commission culture” in developmental works. The Lokayukta stated that all three accused—the MLA and his two aides—have been taken into custody for further interrogation and will be produced before a court following a medical examination.
