The Lokayukta Police arrested senior Excise Department officials in Bengaluru on Saturday for demanding a huge bribe to clear liquor-related licences. Those caught include Jagadeesh Naik, Excise Deputy Commissioner (Bengaluru Urban District–8), and Thammanna K.M., Superintendent of Excise. An Excise constable, Lakkappa Gani, is also accused in the case. The arrest followed a complaint by one Lakshminarayana. He alleged the officials demanded ₹80 lakh bribe for issuing a CL-7 (bar) licence and a microbrewery licence. Acting on the tip, Lokayukta Police set up a trap and caught them accepting ₹25 lakh, the first payment. Officials said the Deputy Commissioner, Superintendent, and another department worker were held while carrying the bribe money. A case was registered under Section 7(a) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 (amended 2018). The investigation is ongoing, and more searches linked to the case are expected.