M.C.KATHARAJU Vs. STATE OF KARNATAKA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This petition is filed under Sec. 439 of Cr.P.C. praying to enlarge the petitioner on bail in Crime No.3/2023 of Lokayukta Police Station, Tumkur registered for the offence punishable under Sec. 7(a) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 (Amended 2018).

(2.) Heard the learned counsel for petitioner and the learned counsel appearing for respondent.

(3.) In the complaint lodged by one B.P.Siddalingappa son of late Puttiah, he has alleged that he had applied for 'E' Khata of his two properties bearing Khata No.447, measuring about 20 x 20 feet and a vacant site bearing Khata No.420 measuring about 17 x 35 ft situated at C.S.Pura. In this connection, he had submitted two applications on 9/4/2021 and 26/8/2022 to the PDO, C.S. Pura Gram Panchayat but no action was taken. Once again on 11/4/2023 at about 4.00 p.m. he went and met the petitioner, working as PDO of the Panchayat, at that time he demanded a sum of Rs.20,000.00 each for effecting the 'E' Khata. It is further alleged that on 14/4/2023, as instructed by the petitioner, complainant called the Bill Collector, who demanded the said amount to be paid, which conversation was recorded in his mobile phone. Thereafter, when he met the petitioner on 25/4/2023, he was informed that there is some mistake in the Khata number and once again he demanded money and the said conversation was also recorded in his mobile phone.