In a significant development, Bengaluru’s assistant drug controller, Ajayraj D. Sha, was arrested on November 4 by Lokayukta police for allegedly accepting a bribe in exchange for approving a pharmacy license. The incident unfolded when Sha was caught accepting ₹40,000 from a pharmacist, identified as Subramanya, to issue a license for establishing a wholesale pharmacy business.
Sha had initially demanded ₹50,000 for the approval, but after negotiations, he agreed to reduce the bribe amount to ₹40,000. Following a complaint, Lokayukta officials detained Sha under the Prevention of Corruption Act. Authorities also conducted a search of his residence, and further investigations are ongoing. The Lokayukta, an anti-corruption agency, has been active in curbing corruption in the state.
This arrest is part of a broader effort by Karnataka’s Lokayukta to combat corruption in public offices. In a similar case, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has been summoned by the Mysuru Lokayukta for questioning in connection with allegations of corruption in the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) land allotment case.
The investigation into the MUDA case centers around the allotment of 14 prime plots, valued at ₹56 crore, to Siddaramaiah’s wife, Parvathi. The controversy has sparked widespread criticism, with claims that the land was unlawfully allotted to her in a highly coveted area of Mysuru. A court had ordered the filing of an FIR in the matter, which led to the ongoing inquiry.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah confirmed his appearance before the Mysuru Lokayukta on November 6, stating that he would cooperate with the investigation. He emphasized that he had received the notice from the Lokayukta and would comply accordingly. The probe has raised questions about potential misconduct in the land allocation process, prompting calls for greater transparency in the functioning of government agencies.
Both the bribery case involving the Bengaluru drug controller and the land allotment controversy reflect ongoing concerns about corruption in public administration and the increasing efforts by anti-corruption agencies to hold public officials accountable.
Sources By Agencies
