The Madhya Pradesh Lokayukta has arrested a serving official of the Legal Metrology (Weights and Measures) Department and a retired inspector while they were allegedly accepting a bribe of ₹1 lakh from a petrol pump operator in Bhopal. The amount was part of an alleged demand of ₹4 lakh made to settle an official matter.

According to Lokayukta officials, the complainant, who operates a petrol pump, had approached the anti-corruption agency after alleging that the accused had demanded money in exchange for extending official favours and avoiding departmental action. After verifying the complaint, the Lokayukta police laid a trap.

The accused were caught red-handed while allegedly accepting ₹1 lakh from the complainant. The trap operation was carried out by the Lokayukta's Bhopal unit, following which both individuals were taken into custody for further legal proceedings.

Officials said the serving officer was posted in the Legal Metrology Department, while the second accused is a retired inspector who allegedly acted as an intermediary in the transaction. The investigation is expected to examine the role of both individuals and whether others were involved in the alleged bribery network.

The Lokayukta has registered a case under relevant provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act. Authorities are also collecting documentary and electronic evidence related to the alleged demand and acceptance of the bribe. Further questioning of the accused is underway.

The action is part of the Lokayukta's continuing drive against corruption in government departments across Madhya Pradesh. In recent months, the anti-corruption agency has conducted several trap operations targeting public servants accused of demanding illegal gratification for official work.

Officials reiterated that citizens facing demands for bribes from government employees should report such incidents to the Lokayukta instead of paying the money. Complaints are verified before trap proceedings are initiated.

Further investigation is underway to determine whether similar complaints exist against the accused and whether additional officials were linked to the alleged corruption case.