The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has registered a case against Revenue Superintendent of the Belagavi Cantonment Board, on charges of demanding and accepting a bribe. The case was registered on December 7, 2025, following allegations linked to a food cart operating near Belagavi railway station. The officer has been taken into custody.
In the first week of December, a CBI team visited the Cantonment Board office and questioned the accused officer. The inquiry, which began in the morning, continued late into the night, during which officials examined documents, CCTV footage, and recorded statements. Subsequently, the officer was taken into custody.
Complaint by Food Cart Operator
The case stems from a complaint filed by Mallappa D. Kalaj, a resident of Bable Galli, Angol, who runs a food cart named Shri Padma Fast Food near the railway station. In his complaint to the CBI dated November 12, 2025, Kalaj alleged that the Revenue Superintendent demanded a bribe of ₹10,000 to allow his cart to continue operations. He further alleged threats of removal if the amount was not paid, along with a demand for a recurring monthly bribe of ₹1,500.
Based on the complaint, the CBI Anti-Corruption Branch, Bengaluru, conducted a confidential inquiry led by Inspector Dilip Kumar. The inquiry revealed that the initial demand of ₹10,000 was made on October 30, 2025. When the complainant failed to pay, he was asked to meet the officer on November 12.
On that day, the complainant’s wife reportedly met the officer at the office, where the demand for ₹10,000 was reiterated along with threats to remove the food cart. She allegedly paid ₹2,000 in cash at the time, with instructions to pay the remaining ₹8,000 later.
After refusing to pay further bribes, the complainant approached the CBI. Based on the complaint and inquiry, the agency registered a regular case, stating that a prima facie offence under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, was made out.
The CBI had sought permission from the Government of Karnataka under the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act, 1946. The state government granted approval on December 6, 2025, following which the case was formally registered. Further investigation is currently underway.