Bhatkal: In a significant development, Bhatkal Municipal Chief Officer Neelkanth Mesta was caught red-handed on Friday by the Lokayukta while allegedly accepting a bribe of ₹50,000. The incident occurred in Mesta’s office at the Municipal Building.

Briefing the media, Uttara Kannada Lokayukta SP Kumarchandra said that a team of 14 officials, including two inspectors, arrested Mesta after receiving credible information about his involvement in bribery. The arrest was made during a raid while Mesta was in the act of accepting the bribe.

According to SP Kumarchandra, Mesta had earlier collected ₹2 lakh from building owner Shakeel Mohtisham, allegedly citing pending taxes and fines for a newly constructed building. However, Mesta issued a receipt for only ₹90,068, and despite this, he failed to grant the necessary UGD (Underground Drainage) connection, which had been pending for over a year.

When Shakeel Mohtisham sought to obtain the required Form No. 3 for the building permission, Mesta allegedly demanded an additional ₹1 lakh. Furthermore, he insisted that an advance of ₹50,000 be paid immediately, with the remaining ₹50,000 to be paid once the UGD connection was granted.

Mohtisham informed his uncle, Idris Mohtisham, who then filed a formal complaint with the Lokayukta. Acting on the complaint, a trap was set, and Mesta was arrested while accepting the ₹50,000 bribe on Friday, November 15.

SP Kumarchandra confirmed that Mesta will be presented in court after completing the necessary legal and medical formalities. Further legal action will follow accordingly.

The incident has exposed the widespread issue of bribery within the Bhatkal Municipal office, with many residents having long complained about corrupt practices. The arrest of the Chief Officer has raised serious concerns about the extent of corruption in the municipality, and many are now hopeful that this case will lead to greater scrutiny and efforts to address and curb such activities in the future.