₹4.15 Crore Racket Exposed; WhatsApp Chats Link Former SP Srinath Joshi to Accused Ningappa Savant
In a major breakthrough, Karnataka Lokayukta Police have uncovered WhatsApp messages and call records implicating IPS officer Srinath Joshi, the former Superintendent of Police with the Lokayukta, in a high-profile ₹4.15 crore extortion racket run by dismissed constable Ningappa Savant.
Digital Trail Exposes Alleged Collusion
The revelations emerged after Savant’s arrest on June 2, when a forensic examination of his mobile phone led investigators to messages in which he allegedly reported extorted sums—over ₹56 lakh from excise officials—to Joshi. These digital exchanges have now become central evidence in the expanding investigation.
High Court Intervention: Interim Bail and FIR Stay
On procedural grounds, the Karnataka High Court granted interim bail to Savant, citing failure by the Lokayukta police to adhere to Supreme Court-mandated arrest protocols. Justice S. R. Krishna Kumar noted that the grounds of arrest were not properly communicated, justifying temporary relief.
Bail Duration: 4 weeks
Date of Bail Grant: June 20
Previous Orders: On June 17, the High Court stayed the FIR against Savant, and on June 18, it stayed a summons issued to SP Srinath Joshi.
Fake Raid Call Sparks Investigation
The extortion ring was exposed following a May 23 complaint from a Regional Transport Officer (RTO) in Tumakuru, who received a threatening call from an impersonator claiming to be SP Vamsi Krishna from Bengaluru City Lokayukta. The caller demanded a bribe in exchange for avoiding a raid.
The call was traced back to Ningappa Savant, leading to his arrest. His phone’s forensic analysis by the state CID revealed substantial data, including multiple chats and financial communications with Joshi.
₹4.15 Crore Extorted: Dozens of Officials Targeted
Investigators allege that Savant extorted more than ₹4.15 crore from various government officials across Karnataka, pretending to be a Lokayukta officer or falsely claiming influence within the agency. His tactics reportedly included threats of anti-corruption raids unless bribes were paid.
Frequent Visits: Savant is said to have regularly visited the Lokayukta office.
Meetings with Joshi: Evidence indicates that he held in-person meetings with SP Joshi.
The Lokayukta is now investigating excise officials who may have paid bribes via Savant to escape scrutiny.
Legal Pushback: Lokayukta to Challenge HC Orders
Despite the High Court’s interim relief to both Savant and Joshi, sources within the Lokayukta say that the investigation remains ongoing. The agency has compiled extensive digital and technical evidence and is expected to seek an early hearing to challenge the High Court’s stay on the investigation, currently set for July 15.
This high-stakes case has raised serious questions about internal accountability, misuse of official identity, and possible systemic corruption within one of Karnataka’s top anti-corruption bodies.
