Karnataka BJP MLA Chandru Lamani caught taking Rs 5 lakh bribe
Times of India
by TNNFebruary 22, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Karnataka's BJP MLA Chandru Lamani has been arrested on charges of accepting a Rs 5 lakh bribe from a contractor. The raid, conducted by Lokayukta police at his Balaji Hospital in Laxmeshwar, followed a complaint filed by class-1 contractor Vijay Pujar, who alleged that Lamani demanded an 11% commission for a retaining wall construction project worth Rs 1 crore in Sankadal village. During the operation, officials found cash and additional evidence at the hospital, including attempts to destroy documents by throwing Rs 1 lakh into a neighboring school's compound.
Lamani, a medical practitioner who previously served as the taluk health officer in Laxmeshwar, resigned from his government post to contest the 2023 assembly election. The raid also led to the detention of his personal aides, Manjunath Walmiki and Guru Lamani, further implicating them in the alleged bribery scheme. This case highlights the ongoing challenges of corruption in India's political and public sectors.
The incident underscores the broader issue of corruption within government contracts and infrastructure projects, a concern that resonates globally as nations seek to uphold transparency and accountability. The involvement of high-ranking officials like Lamani, who were also medical professionals, adds another layer of complexity to the case, raising questions about ethical standards in both public service and politics.
For readers interested in global governance and anti-corruption efforts, this story serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between political power and ethical conduct
Verticals
worldasia
Originally published on Times of India on 2/22/2026