Kerala Vigilance Bureau Nabs Revenue Inspector in Bribery Sting Operation
In a significant crackdown on corruption, officials from the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB) in Kochi executed a meticulously planned arrest on Saturday. The target was Saiju AG, a revenue inspector employed by the Maradu municipality, who stands accused of soliciting and accepting an illicit bribe amounting to Rs 3,000. This sum was allegedly demanded in exchange for processing crucial property ownership transfer certificates, a clear abuse of his official position.
Detailed Sequence of Demands and Deception
The case unfolded when a resident of Chambakkara, acting on behalf of her daughter and son-in-law who are both employed overseas, initiated the legal transfer of ownership for two recently purchased houses. On January 3, she formally submitted the applications through an Akshaya centre, having already paid the mandatory government fee of Rs 1,200 for the procedure.
Saiju AG, a native of Kottamkulangara in Alappuzha, conducted the requisite site inspections of the properties but subsequently failed to issue the ownership certificates, creating an unnecessary delay. When the complainant approached him for updates, he allegedly demanded Rs 5,000 as illegal gratification to expedite the process.
In a manipulative move, he first coerced the complainant into handing over Rs 2,000, misleadingly stating that this partial payment would secure only one certificate. He instructed her to reapply separately for the second property, thereby complicating the matter further.
The Trap is Set and the Arrest Executed
After complying with the directive and submitting a fresh application, the complainant met with Saiju again on Friday. It was during this encounter that he instructed her to bring the remaining Rs 3,000 the following day. Sensing the gravity of the situation, she promptly reported the extortion to the VACB unit, triggering an official investigation.
Acting on precise instructions from the deputy superintendent, vigilance officers orchestrated a covert trap. At approximately 12:50 PM on Saturday, within the premises of the municipal office, officers apprehended Saiju AG red-handed as he accepted the marked currency notes from the complainant. The operation was executed with precision, ensuring concrete evidence of the bribery attempt.
Legal Proceedings and Public Appeal
The accused revenue inspector is scheduled to be presented before the Muvattupuzha vigilance court, where formal charges will be filed. This arrest underscores the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to curb corrupt practices within public offices.
In light of this incident, Vigilance Director Manoj Abraham has reiterated a strong appeal to the public. He encourages citizens to report any instances of corruption through multiple accessible channels: the toll-free number 1064, the phone line 8592900900, or via WhatsApp at 9447789100. This proactive approach aims to empower individuals and foster a culture of accountability and transparency in governance.
