In a significant anti-corruption operation, the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB) apprehended a senior official from the irrigation department in Angamaly on Monday for allegedly accepting a bribe.
Engineer Caught Red-Handed
The arrested official has been identified as Wilson P M, who served as an executive engineer at the Idamalayar Irrigation Project Division No 1 office in Angamaly. The vigilance team caught him in the act of accepting a bribe of Rs 15,000 at precisely 12:35 pm on December 1.
The Bribe Demand for Contractor Licence
The case unfolded when a complainant from Ernakulam, who had applied for a C-Class contractor licence to undertake work under the Idamalayar Irrigation Project, approached the authorities. The applicant reported that after his application saw no progress, he met Wilson in person. During this meeting, the executive engineer demanded a bribe of Rs 15,000 to issue the licence and instructed the complainant to deliver the cash personally on December 1.
Unwilling to comply with the illegal demand, the complainant reported the matter to the deputy superintendent of police, vigilance, in Ernakulam. This led the VACB to lay a trap. As planned, the complainant met Wilson, and the official was caught red-handed while accepting the marked currency notes.
Legal Proceedings and a Disturbing Pattern
Following his arrest, Wilson will be presented before the Kottayam vigilance court for legal proceedings. This incident is not isolated. Authorities noted that this case marks the fourth consecutive day where the vigilance department has successfully caught government officials in the act of accepting bribes, highlighting an ongoing crackdown on corruption within the state's administration.
The arrest underscores the continued efforts of the VACB to root out corruption, particularly in departments handling public projects and contracts. It serves as a stern warning to other officials engaged in malpractices.
