Mohandas Pai Urges Karnataka Govt to End Business Harassment Over Bribe Demands

Mohandas Pai, former CFO of Infosys, has called on Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM DK Shivakumar to put an end to the alleged harassment of business owners by government officials.

His appeal came after a viral social media post highlighted widespread bribery and corruption faced by small businesses in Bengaluru. Pai’s statement has sparked significant attention, drawing focus to the challenges business owners face due to bureaucratic pressure and corruption.

Mohandas Pai’s Appeal to Karnataka Government

Mohandas Pai took to social media to address the ongoing issues faced by small business owners in Bengaluru.

Responding to a post by journalist Sagorika, Pai urged the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister to stop the harassment and corruption by government officials.

“Sir @CMofKarnataka @siddaramaiah @DKShivakumar, as our CM and DCM, please stop this harassment and deep corruption. We elected you to give us good governance as you promised, not this deep corruption and bribing! Yes, earlier governments are also responsible, but today you are in power. Please save us from this harassment and deep corruption,” Pai posted on X.

Pai acknowledged that previous governments contributed to the problem but emphasized that the current Congress-led government has the responsibility and power to end the practice.

He stressed that business owners should not have to operate under constant fear and pressure from corrupt officials.

Journalist Sagorika Highlights Business Harassment

The issue came to light after journalist Sagorika shared a detailed thread on X about the difficulties faced by small business owners in Bengaluru.

She recounted the experience of a friend who owns a sporting goods store and regularly faces harassment from multiple government departments.

According to Sagorika, officials from the Department of Metrology often visit businesses, searching for minor errors in product labels. If they find any discrepancies, they offer two choices: accept a court date or pay an immediate fine.

“Someone from the Department of Metrology will come in one day, go through EVERY item in stock so they can find something where the label has fallen off or is less visible. They ask that it’s okay for them to give him a court date so he can resolve it. Or he can pay a ‘fine’,” she wrote.

Harassment from Labour and GST Departments

Sagorika explained that the harassment doesn’t stop with the Metrology Department. The Labour Department often follows with detailed inspections of business records, looking for any minor error they can use as leverage for a fine.

“In a few days, the Department of Labour comes in. They will come with several people and go through every book and registration. Find something to blackmail him about. Then ask for a fine,” she wrote.

Routine GST audits and trade licenses have also become tools for extortion. Sagorika described how individuals posing as government agents or intermediaries enter stores and refuse to leave until they find an issue that warrants a payment.

“A man, well-dressed, well-known to businesses across town, makes lakhs in a day. He sits at the store and does not budge until he finds something. Keeps conversation light. Finds something. Asks to be paid,” she added.

Role of Local Police in the Extortion Scheme

Sagorika also highlighted the role of local police in the harassment of business owners. According to her, police officers have been known to seize goods under the pretext of future protection, essentially forcing business owners to pay bribes to avoid trouble.

“This is understood to be normal. This needs to change,” she wrote. “Business happens despite our system, not because of it here. If there is change, it isn’t showing through very much.”

Corruption Cases Exposed

The issue gained further traction after two police officials — an Assistant Commissioner of Police and an Assistant Sub-Inspector — were arrested in Bengaluru on charges of accepting a ₹2 lakh bribe.

Officials reported that the arrest followed a complaint by a 42-year-old software engineer.

Additionally, the Lokayukta police arrested four other government officers in three separate bribery cases. These arrests reinforced Sagorika’s claims of systemic corruption within government agencies.

Public Reaction to Pai’s Statement

Pai’s direct appeal to the Karnataka government has sparked widespread public support and criticism of the existing system. Many social media users expressed frustration over the continued harassment of businesses and called for immediate reforms.

While acknowledging that past governments allowed such practices to develop, Pai insisted that the current government has the authority and responsibility to make meaningful changes.

He stressed that business owners should not be forced to operate under constant pressure from corrupt officials.

“Yes, earlier governments too are responsible, but today you are in power,” Pai wrote, underscoring the need for the Congress-led administration to take swift action.

Deep-Rooted Corruption and Business Challenges

The problem of corruption and harassment in Bengaluru reflects a deeper issue within the administrative framework. Business owners, especially small businesses, often lack the resources and influence to push back against corrupt practices.

As Sagorika noted, even routine paperwork, such as trade licenses and GST filings, becomes a source of stress and extortion.

Pai’s call for action highlights the urgent need for transparency and accountability in government processes. Without addressing these issues, businesses in Bengaluru may continue to face financial and operational challenges that hinder growth and success.