Published Mar 30, 2026 | 5:30 PM ⚊ Updated Mar 30, 2026 | 5:30 PM
Representational image. Credit: iStock
Synopsis: Deputy Commissioner Bharath Kumar Hegde of the Commercial Tax Department was caught by Lokayukta officials while allegedly accepting a Rs 6 lakh bribe from businessman Vishwajit Nayak, linked to an Input Tax Credit case.
Bharath Kumar Hegde, the Deputy Commissioner of the Commercial Tax Department, was caught on Monday, 30 March, while allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs 6 lakh.
Lokayukta officials laid a trap and caught Hegde while he was receiving the money from Ankola-based businessman Vishwajit Nayak.
According to sleuths, Nayak had purchased eight tipper trucks in 2019 and was eligible for an Input Tax Credit (ITC) of around Rs 60 lakh. Out of this, he had claimed Rs 34 lakh.
However, the Commercial Tax Department registered a case him, alleging that the ITC was claimed illegally.
Nayak was summoned for questioning on Monday. He was called four times earlier as well.
The officer allegedly demanded a bribe of Rs 10 lakh, but finally settled for Rs 6 lakh to help close the case against the businessman.
