In a dramatic twist that has stunned the public and administrative circles alike, Nefisa, the President of Peruvai Gram Panchayat in Dakshina Kannada district, was caught red-handed by the Lokayukta police while accepting a bribe on Saturday. Nefisa, who gained state wide recognition for her proactive role in rural development and cleanliness initiatives, was arrested alongside bill collector William in a sting operation conducted on September 6, 2025.
This arrest has raised serious concerns over corruption at the grassroots level, especially when it involves public figures once praised for transparency and service.
The bribery case: How it unfolded
According to a detailed press statement issued by Dakshina Kannada district Lokayukta SP Kumar Chandra, the trap was the result of a formal complaint filed by a resident of Peruvai village. The complainant, who owns an acre of agricultural land, had applied under the Special Unit Scheme and Tribal Sub-Scheme in 2024 for a borewell facility to irrigate his land. However, his application was allegedly ignored without valid explanation.
In May 2025, the complainant’s relatives submitted a fresh application, hoping for inclusion in the updated beneficiary list. When months passed with no communication from the Panchayat, the complainant’s wife visited the Gram Panchayat office several times. It was during one of these visits that Gram Panchayat President Nefisa allegedly told her that a free borewell could be arranged but only if a bribe of ₹10,000 was paid.
“You have to pay ten thousand to the Bangalore office. If you pay, they will pass the file. I will go to Bangalore and get your work done,” Nefisa reportedly told the complainant’s wife. The complainant, disturbed by the demand, approached the Mangaluru Lokayukta Police Station and filed an official complaint. Acting on the complaint, a trap was laid. On September 6, the Lokayukta team caught Nefisa and bill collector William red-handed while accepting the bribe.
Both have been taken into custody and are currently under interrogation. The entire operation was executed under the supervision of Karnataka Lokayukta SP Kumarachandra, with key support from Deputy Commissioners Dr. Gana P Kumar and Suresh Kumar.P, and Police Inspectors Bharathi G, Chandrashekhar K.N., and Ravi Pawar. Staff members from the Mangaluru Lokayukta team also participated in the successful raid.
From Red Fort honors to corruption scandal
What makes this arrest particularly shocking is the image Nefisa had built over the years. Known for her exceptional involvement in local governance, she had garnered admiration across the state for her hands-on leadership and dedication to cleanliness drives. In fact, she personally drove garbage collection vehicles and went door-to-door to promote solid waste management.
She was invited as one of six women Gram Panchayat presidents from Karnataka to attend the 2024 Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort in Delhi, a prestigious recognition of her community contributions.
Nefisa has also been honored by Siddaramaiah, Chief Minister of Karnataka during World Youth Skill Day celebrations and was acknowledged as a resource person by the State Institute of Rural Development in Solid Waste Management.
During her time as Vice President and then President of Peruvai Gram Panchayat, she oversaw several developmental projects, including construction of roads, anganwadi centers, and employment generation initiatives under MGNREGA. Her efforts to distribute books and uniforms to underprivileged students had won her appreciation locally and statewide.
Public reaction and administrative shock
The arrest has sent shockwaves through the district administration and rural development circles. Many who once saw Nefisa as a model leader are grappling with the reality of her alleged involvement in bribery. What adds to the disappointment is that she was seen as a rising star in rural governance, a woman from a modest background who rose through the ranks to become a beacon of hope.
“This is not just about one person. It reflects the rot that corruption brings into governance, even at the grassroots,” said a senior official in the district administration, requesting anonymity.
