Former TNEB Lineman Sentenced to 3 Years in Prison for Bribery Case in Tamil Nadu
A sessions court in Tiruvallur, Tamil Nadu, delivered a significant verdict on Monday, sentencing a former Tamil Nadu Electricity Board (TNEB) lineman to three years of rigorous imprisonment for demanding and accepting a bribe in 2012. The case highlights ongoing efforts to combat corruption in public services.
Details of the Bribery Incident
In 2012, Ayesha Begum of Athipattu approached the TNEB office to secure an electricity connection for her newly constructed house. Mathiyalagan, the lineman assigned to her case, demanded a bribe of 4,000 rupees to process the single-phase electricity connection. Begum reported the matter to the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) unit in Tiruvallur, leading to a sting operation.
DVAC officials apprehended Mathiyalagan red-handed when he accepted the cash. Following his arrest, he was placed under suspension from his duties at TNEB, pending the outcome of the legal proceedings.
Court Verdict and Sentencing
On Monday, the judge found Mathiyalagan guilty of corruption charges. The court imposed a three-year prison term, along with a fine of 20,000 rupees. After the sentencing, he was immediately escorted to Puzhal prison to serve his sentence.
This case underscores the judiciary's commitment to upholding integrity in public service and sends a strong message against bribery and corruption in Tamil Nadu.
