This petition is filed by petitioner under Section 439 of Cr.P.C. seeking regular bail in Tumakuru Lokayuktha Police Station, Crime No.02/2024 registered for the offence punishable under Section 7(a) of Prevention of Corruption Act , 1988, which is pending on the file of the VII Additional District and Sessions Judge, Tumakuru.

2. Heard the learned counsel for the petitioner and the learned Special Public Prosecutor for Lokayuktha. He has also filed objection statement. Perused the records.

3. The allegations of the prosecution disclose that the complainant is a distributor of Pepsico Company products and doing his business in the name and style as M/s. Sri Maruthi Enterprises. He had GST certification and paying GST regularly. It is alleged that, on 26.12.2023 the petitioner had visited the godown of the complainant and checked the stocks and issued notice to pay Rs.7,00,000/- towards GST and on failing to do so, he was threatened to issue bank attachment. When the complainant requested, the petitioner has demanded Rs.50,000/- as illegal gratification for reducing the GST amount. It is further asserted that on 12.02.2024, the complainant was issued notice to pay Rs.20,000/- f