Out of the 334 corruption cases in Karnataka, 237 cases (60.9%) are trap cases which reveal the willingness of people to approach the ombudsman in cases of bribe requests. | Photo credit: Nisha Dutta
Karnataka had the third highest number of registered corruption cases at 334 for 2024, according to National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data released on Thursday, May 7. Maharashtra peaked at 721 cases, followed by Tamil Nadu which recorded 374 cases and Karnataka was third.
However, Karnataka stands out when it comes to Disproportionate Assets (DA) cases, topping the list at 75. It is followed by Odisha with 62 cases and Assam with 44 cases.
Marginal dip
Considering Karnataka’s numbers over the years, there is 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 gathering local and local intelligence, supplementing it with on-the-ground research and consistently launching raids on suspected corrupt officials. These regular raids led to an increase in numbers.
Among the 334 cases, 237 cases (60.9%) are entrapment incidents, which reveal people’s willingness to approach the ombudsman in cases of bribe requests.
However, Lokayukta sources say these numbers are just the tip of the iceberg across states. “Cases will always be multiple than what we see on paper as citizens are still unwilling to report demands for bribes. It is a slow process but strengthening the Lokayukta’s local reach will increase people’s confidence, which requires more awareness,” the official said.
Trip from 2025
The source said that 2025 is the year when substantial number of cases have actually been registered with consistent raids and follow-up, which will be reflected in the NCRB data for 2025. He added that suo motu cases are also being dealt with regularly.
“For the first two years after the restoration of the Lokayukta in 2022, understaffing was an issue, but that has now been resolved. The increase in staff has also led to a more targeted approach to DA cases, allowing for in-depth investigations,” the officer said.
Srinath K., secretary to BS Patil, Karnataka Lokayukta, told The Hindu that the establishment of police stations in each district has resulted in more cases being registered.
“Now, people are slowly coming forward to lodge complaints as our staff has reached the lowest level. We also have targets for staff to ensure time-bound handling and disposal of cases,” he said.
However, he conceded that there is a need for greater awareness and a more proactive approach, which the Lokayukta is now focusing on.
Published – 08 May 2026 20:41 IST
