Bribe-Takers Under Heat: Vigilance Registers 50 Cases This Year

Thiruvananthapuram: The Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB) has registered 50 bribery-related cases so far this year involving public servants, officials said on Thursday. A total of 68 people, including government employees and intermediaries, have been arrested through trap operations across different departments.

Among the 50 cases, the Revenue Department accounts for 17, the Local Self-Government Department 10, and the Police Department six. Three cases each were registered in the Education Department and Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB), while 11 others were reported from various departments.

The 50th case was linked to the arrest of Srinivasan, a sub-group officer of Mannar Thrikkuratti Mahadeva Temple under the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB), who also served as the receiver of Kuttamperoor Kunnathoor Sree Durga Devi Temple in Alappuzha. He was accused of taking a bribe to facilitate temple rituals.

VACB officials explained that a Mannar resident had contacted Srinivasan to book poojas at the Durga Devi temple. After the rituals were completed on November 15 at the complainant’s expense, Srinivasan allegedly demanded a bribe of Rs 5,000 and asked for payment via Google Pay. Based on the complaint received, VACB set up a trap and apprehended Srinivasan while he was accepting the amount.

Vigilance Director Manoj Abraham said that corruption in public services is being closely tracked and that a number of officials remain under surveillance. He encouraged the public to inform VACB about any instances of bribery or corruption, assuring that appropriate action would follow.