HEMANTH KUMAR C. Vs. STATE

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The petitioner challenges the registration of the First Information Report (FIR) for the offences punishable under Ss. 7(a), 13(1)(b), read with Sec. 13(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 (for short, 'the PC Act').

(2.) Upon receiving credible information from the Hon'ble Lokayukta regarding alleged maladministration and large-scale illegalities and irregularities at certain check posts, a suo motu case was registered, and a discreet inquiry was conducted by respondent No.1. On 28/9/2022, the Lokayukta issued a search warrant under Sec. 10 of the Karnataka Lokayukta Act, 1984, directing the Superintendent of Police, Ballari, to search the Hagari Check-Post.

(3.) Pursuant to the search warrant, the Police Inspector, Karnataka Lokayukta, Ballari, conducted a search of the Hagari Transport Check-Post, where the petitioner was working as Senior Motor Vehicles Inspector. During the search, the following amounts were recovered: