BENGALURU: Senior IPS officer Srinath Mahadev Joshi appeared before the Karnataka Lokayukta Police on Tuesday in connection with an ongoing investigation into an alleged high-level extortion racket involving dismissed Head Constable Ningappa Savanth. The Lokayukta police have recorded Joshi’s statement, sources confirmed.
Joshi’s appearance follows a fresh notice issued to him by the investigating agency after the Karnataka High Court permitted Lokayukta police to re-issue the summons. He had earlier contested the initial notice on procedural grounds, citing that the complaint copy and FIR were not served to him.
Read Also: Karnataka Lokayukta Extortion Case: HC Allows Police to Re-Summon IPS Officer Srinath Joshi
Corruption Allegations and Cryptocurrency Trail
The case centers around allegations that Ningappa Savanth, while working with the Lokayukta, obtained insider information about planned raids and leaked them to various government officials in exchange for hefty bribes. Preliminary investigations suggest that crores of rupees were extorted and subsequently invested in cryptocurrencies, not only in Ningappa’s name but also allegedly in the names of his wife and some IPS officers.
Savanth was dismissed from service after these revelations came to light. He has challenged the legality of the FIR filed against him in the Karnataka High Court, where the verdict is currently reserved.
Anticipatory Bail Plea Filed
Amid concerns of possible arrest, Joshi has filed an anticipatory bail petition before the Special Court for Lokayukta Cases. The court is expected to hear the plea after the Lokayukta police file their objections.
Joshi, who previously served as the Superintendent of Police for Bengaluru City Division-1 within the Karnataka Lokayukta, was relieved of his duties once his name surfaced during the investigation.
What’s Next
- Lokayukta police are expected to examine digital evidence, financial transactions, and crypto investments linked to both accused.
- The Special Court will soon hear Joshi’s bail petition.
- The Karnataka High Court’s decision on Ningappa’s challenge could influence the direction of the larger case.
Why This Case Matters
This case has raised serious concerns about internal collusion within Karnataka’s premier anti-corruption agency, and the emerging use of cryptocurrency as a laundering tool for illicit funds. The inclusion of senior officers in the inquiry has intensified public scrutiny and could have wider implications for administrative accountability.
