BENGALURU: In a high-profile development, the Karnataka Lokayukta special court has denied anticipatory bail to senior IPS officer Srinath Joshi Mahadev, raising serious questions over his alleged nexus with a dismissed head constable and potential involvement in a cryptocurrency-linked bribery racket.
Judge KM Radhakrishna rejected Joshi’s plea, stating that the allegations against him are “serious in nature” and concern “larger public interest.” The court underscored the suspicious nature of Joshi’s repeated interactions with Head Constable Ningappa, who was dismissed from service for misconduct.
Court Raises Tough Questions on Crypto Ties
“How was an IPS officer of such rank constantly in contact with a dismissed constable? Why was Ningappa meeting him in his office? And if Joshi was innocent, how could he share screenshots of cryptocurrency wallets and investments with him?” the judge asked pointedly during the hearing.
The court also remarked that the available evidence, including call records and CCTV footage, warrant a detailed custodial interrogation of Joshi by the Lokayukta police to uncover the truth.
Allegations of Extortion and Crypto Investments
According to the prosecution, Joshi, during his tenure as SP in the Karnataka Lokayukta, allegedly conspired with Ningappa to extort money from officials in various government departments. The modus operandi, prosecutors claimed, involved making threatening calls through Ningappa and warning of impending raids unless bribes were paid.
The bribe money was allegedly invested in cryptocurrency wallets and Bitcoins, with WhatsApp screenshots indicating active involvement. The prosecution said Joshi’s communications, both digital and personal, show a sustained connection with Ningappa.
Defense Claims Innocence and Career Damage
Joshi’s legal counsel argued that his past professional association with Ningappa—who served as his subordinate during his tenure as SP in Chitradurga—has been misconstrued. They contended that Joshi’s name does not appear in the FIR or original complaint, and the only evidence is a “blind statement” by Ningappa.
The defense also pointed out that Joshi has already been relieved from the Lokayukta and is currently serving in his parent department, reducing the risk of evidence tampering or witness influence. The lawyer emphasized that arrest at this stage could unfairly jeopardize Joshi’s promotion prospects due in August.
Court Defers to High Court’s Interim Stay
While rejecting the anticipatory bail plea, the Lokayukta court noted that the High Court has stayed further proceedings in the case until June 30. However, Judge Radhakrishna maintained that the gravity of allegations and need for custodial questioning make anticipatory bail inappropriate in this matter.
The case has stirred significant public attention due to the high-profile nature of the accused and the potential misuse of cryptocurrency in bureaucratic corruption.
