Lokayukta traps Karan Singh Lodhi outside his home following businessman's complaint; money was demanded for clearing a land survey for a pea plant.

A revenue inspector posted in Shahpura tehsil was arrested on Tuesday morning by the Lokayukta police while allegedly accepting a bribe of ₹80,000. The accused officer, identified as Karan Singh Lodhi, had reportedly demanded ₹1 lakh from a local businessman in exchange for completing a land demarcation process that had been pending for nearly two months.

Trapped outside residence

The arrest took place outside the inspector’s home in Ratan Colony. According to Lokayukta officials, the complainant – businessman Rohit Jain – had been asked to bring the money to the spot. The trap team moved in as soon as Lodhi accepted the cash. Officials confirmed that the amount was recovered from his possession. A case has been registered under the Prevention of Corruption Act.

Land purchased for matar plant

The sequence of events began when Jain and his partners purchased a plot of land in Klon village, falling under Shahpura tehsil. The land was meant to set up a pea processing plant. While the ownership transfer had been completed, the demarcation – a critical step to establish physical boundaries – was still pending.

Jain approached Revenue Inspector Lodhi to get the process completed. Sources familiar with the matter said that the officer first pointed out some deficiencies in the paperwork. After those were addressed, the demand for a bribe reportedly surfaced.

Two months of running around

Speaking to officials, the complainant stated that he had been visiting the revenue office for almost two months. Every time, the inspector allegedly came up with a fresh excuse or sought additional documentation. Eventually, a demand of ₹1 lakh was made for clearing the demarcation.

"Initial reports indicate that the businessman grew frustrated with the repeated delays and then approached the Lokayukta with a written complaint," said a senior official involved in the operation. Following verification of the allegations, a trap was laid.

Legal proceedings underway

Lokayukta Inspector Jitendra Singh confirmed that the complaint was verified before planning the operation. "Once we had confirmation that the bribe was being demanded, the trap was set. The revenue inspector was caught red-handed accepting ₹80,000," he said. The remaining ₹20,000 of the demanded amount is also part of the investigation.

Officials added that the accused was being questioned and that further legal proceedings, including a search of his premises, were likely later in the day.

Background of rising trap cases

The Jabalpur case adds to a steady stream of Lokayukta actions across Madhya Pradesh targeting lower and mid-level revenue officials. Land-related bribery remains one of the most common complaints reaching the anti-corruption wing. In several past instances, revenue inspectors and patwaris have been caught for demanding money for record updates, mutation entries, and demarcation work.

Local residents in Shahpura said that while such arrests are not unusual, they hope the action will serve as a deterrent. "Most small businessmen and farmers cannot afford to pay these amounts. But they also cannot afford endless delays," said a trader in the area who did not wish to be named.

The accused, Karan Singh Lodhi, has been taken into custody and will be produced before a special court. Further investigations are on to check if other complaints exist against him or if any senior officials were involved.