Karnataka among top three States in corruption: NCRB

According to data released by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) on Thursday (May 7), Karnataka had the third highest number of registered corruption cases for 2024 at 334. Maharashtra peaked with 721 cases, followed by Maharashtra, which recorded 374 cases, and Karnataka came third.

However, in Disproportionate Assets (DA) cases, Karnataka stands out by being ranked 75th. It is followed by Odisha with 62 cases and Assam with 44 cases.

marginal decline

However, considering Karnataka’s numbers over the years, there appears to be a marginal decline as the state recorded 362 cases in 2023 and 389 cases in 2022.

A senior Lokayukta official explained that since the restoration of the Lokayukta, the ombudsman has been collecting intelligence at the local and grassroots levels, supplementing it with ground-level investigations and carrying out constant raids on officials suspected of corruption. These regular raids caused the numbers to increase.

The fact that 237 of the 334 cases (60.9%) were entrapment cases reveals people’s willingness to approach the ombudsman in case of bribe demands.

However, Lokayukta sources say these numbers are just the tip of the iceberg in the states. “The cases will be much more than what we see on paper as citizens are still reluctant to report demands for bribes. It is a slow process, but strengthening the Lokayukta’s outreach to the grassroots will increase people’s confidence, which will require greater awareness,” the official said.

Marching since 2025

The source said 2025 is the year when a significant number of cases are recorded with consistent raids and pursuits and this will be reflected in the 2025 NCRB data. He even added this suo motu Cases are handled regularly.

“In the first two years after the Lokayukta’s restoration in 2022, the problem was staff shortage, but this has now been addressed. The increase in staff has also led to a more focused approach to DA cases, enabling in-depth investigations,” the officer said.

Srinath K., secretary of BS Patil, Karnataka Lokayukta said: Hindu The establishment of police stations in every district has led to more cases being recorded.

“Now that our staff has reached the grassroots, people are slowly coming forward to lodge complaints. We also have targets for staff to ensure that cases are handled and disposed of in a time-bound manner,” he said.

However, he acknowledged that there was a need for greater awareness and a more proactive approach, which is what the Lokayukta is currently focusing on.