Udupi Bribery Bust: Lokayukta Catches Mescom Engineer Red-Handed in Rs 20,000 Graft Case
By Shylesh, Special Investigative Reporter | June 7, 2025 | Udupi, Karnataka
UDUPI — In a significant breakthrough against grassroots-level corruption, the Karnataka Lokayukta's Mangaluru division conducted a surprise operation that led to the arrest of a Mescom Assistant Executive Engineer (AEE) for allegedly accepting a bribe of ₹20,000 in exchange for providing an electricity connection.
The accused, Ashok Poojary, who was posted at the Mescom Brahmavar office, was apprehended on Friday morning, just moments after he had received the bribe from a frustrated citizen who had been allegedly harassed for weeks over a basic utility service.
The Bribe That Sparked a Sting
According to Kumarachandra, Superintendent of Police (In-Charge), Lokayukta, the case unfolded after a local resident approached the Udupi Lokayukta office, alleging sustained harassment by the AEE over a pending electricity connection. The complainant claimed that despite completing all formalities, the engineer had deliberately delayed service for nearly two months — demanding a bribe of ₹20,000 to “process” the application.
Unwilling to pay for a public service, the complainant filed a formal complaint. The Lokayukta’s team swiftly swung into action, meticulously planning a trap operation under the supervision of senior officers.
Caught in the Act: Inside the Operation
At approximately 10:00 AM on June 7, a coordinated team led by Manjunath, in-charge Deputy Superintendent of Police, along with Police Inspectors Rajendra Naik (Udupi) and Bharati G (Mangaluru), entered the Brahmavar Mescom premises.
In a high-precision sting, the team recorded Ashok Poojary receiving the ₹20,000 bribe in marked currency notes. He was immediately detained and taken into custody for further interrogation.
“This operation reflects our commitment to ensuring accountability in public offices. No government employee is above the law,” said SP Kumarachandra in a press briefing later in the day.
The operation involved combined forces from Udupi and Mangaluru Lokayukta police stations, marking one of the most well-coordinated efforts in recent months in coastal Karnataka.
Public Reaction: Relief and Rage
Local residents, many of whom gathered outside the Mescom office as news of the arrest spread, expressed relief and simmering anger.
“It’s an open secret that people are made to run pillar to post for services that should be automatic. Today’s arrest gives us hope,” said Shilpa Shetty, a resident of Brahmavar.
Several citizens shared their own stories of delays and silent demands at Mescom and other departments, reinforcing a systemic issue that Lokayukta officials say they’re committed to dismantling.
A Deeper Rot? Investigation Underway
While Ashok Poojary is currently in custody, Lokayukta sources hinted at a broader investigation, exploring whether other officials may be complicit in similar extortion tactics. If financial and call records reveal a pattern, more arrests could follow.
“This may not be an isolated case,” noted a Lokayukta insider. “We suspect a network of such informal bribery systems operating across regional utility offices.”
Mescom Under Scrutiny
The Mangalore Electricity Supply Company (Mescom), a state-owned power distribution company, has faced growing scrutiny over inefficiencies and public grievances, especially in rural and semi-urban areas like Brahmavar.
While Mescom has not yet issued an official statement on the arrest, internal disciplinary action is expected. Departmental sources say a suspension order is being prepared, pending the outcome of the judicial process.
Why This Matters: A Signal to Public Officials
This case stands as a sharp reminder that Karnataka's Lokayukta, long seen as a dormant watchdog, is regaining its bite. After a period of political sidelining, the Lokayukta has returned with renewed vigor to tackle bureaucratic corruption — particularly in public-facing departments such as power, water, and land registration.
Friday’s operation not only showcases tactical precision but also reinforces public confidence in whistleblowing mechanisms.
“Every complaint matters. This arrest proves the system can still work when brave citizens step up,” added DySP Manjunath.
Next Steps
As per protocol, the seized bribe amount has been submitted as evidence. Forensic teams are expected to examine digital and paper records at the Brahmavar Mescom office. The accused will be presented before a magistrate for judicial custody proceedings.
Citizens who may have been similarly extorted are being encouraged to come forward and file affidavits, even anonymously, through the Lokayukta’s complaint portal.
Conclusion
Friday’s sting operation at Brahmavar is not just about a bribe — it's about reclaiming trust in the system. It highlights the power of citizen courage and institutional response. For Udupi’s residents, it may mark the beginning of a more transparent future.
As the state continues to modernize its services, one thing remains clear: public accountability must walk hand in hand with public access.