Karnataka Lokayukta Complaint: Minister R B Timmapur in Excise Scandal Spotlight

Karnataka Minister R B Timmapur faces allegations in an excise bribery scandal. The complaint arose after the arrest of excise officials taking a Rs 25 lakh bribe. An audio clip purportedly linking Timmapur to the bribery emerged. Opposition leaders demand his resignation, while Timmapur disputes the charges.

Karnataka Minister R B Timmapur has been drawn into controversy after a formal complaint was filed with the Lokayukta, alleging his involvement in an excise bribery scandal. This development comes in the wake of the arrest of excise officials caught accepting a hefty bribe.

Complainant Lakshminarayana claims an audio clip features Excise Deputy Commissioner Jagadeesh Naik naming the Minister. The clip has fueled demands from opposition leaders R Ashoka and Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, who insist on Timmapur's resignation.

However, Timmapur and fellow State Minister Priyank Kharge refuted the allegations, urging an investigation to unveil the truth. Kharge challenged the opposition to produce evidence during the upcoming legislative session.

(With inputs from agencies.)