RFO accused of demanding Rs 1.2 lakh bribe to release seized excavator

HASSAN: The Range Forest Officer (RFO) of Yelsur in Sakleshpur taluk has been accused of seeking a bribe of Rs 1.2 lakh to release a seized excavator of which he has already taken Rs 50,000. A few audio clips of the officer striking the deal has since been leaked.

The seized excavator and the FIR filed.

Range Forest Officer Jagadish seized the excavator when it was being used for road and drainage work in Bachihalli limits and an FIR has been filed. In audio clips, the officer can allegedly be heard conversing with one Srikanth about payment of the remainder Rs 70,000.

The officer has also been accused of using the excavator for other work after it was seized by him.