The Lokayukta police on Thursday arrested Fayyaz Ahmed Shaikh (52), a Geology Officer with the Department of Mines and Geology, after he was caught red-handed accepting a bribe.
As per the complaint by Sheetal Gopal Sanadi from Athani taluka, Shaikh had demanded ₹50,000 to issue a mineral transport license following a decision of the Taluka Sand Monitoring Committee regarding seized sand. The demand was later negotiated down to ₹15,000.
Acting on the complaint, the Lokayukta team laid a trap and nabbed Shaikh while he accepted the bribe. The amount was seized and the officer taken into custody.
A case (No. 14/2025) has been registered under the Prevention of Corruption Act at the Belagavi Lokayukta Police Station. The operation was led by Police Inspector Sangamesh Hosmani. Further investigation is in progress.