The Lokaykukta police have trapped two clerks of the office of the Special Land Acquisition Officer (SLAO), Bhimarayanagudi, in Shahapur taluk on Thursday while receiving bribe from land loosers, for doing a legal favour.
Mahantesh Talwar of Sumbad village in Jewargi taluk had lost 10 acres of land in 95-96 for canal construction for the Upper Krishna Project. He had not received compensation for half of the land. For the last 11 years, Mahantesh and seven othershad been insisting on issue of 4 (1) notification and compensation for the land. The SLAO authorities had been dodging the issue and were demanding bribe for doing the favour.
   On May 23 Mahantesh and others went to the SLAO and met Mahesh Yakanakki and Jagannath Kaoutal who demanded Rs 1500 bribe.
   Mahantesh lodged a complaint with Yadgir Lokayukta police inspector. On directions of the Lokayukta SP L B Shiraguppi a trap was laid and the two clerks were caught red handed while receiving Rs1500 from the complainant. The two clerks have been arrested and will be remanded to judicial custody.