DVAC Arrests Namakkal Revenue Inspector in Bribery Sting Operation
In a significant anti-corruption crackdown, officers from the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) conducted a successful operation in Namakkal on Tuesday, resulting in the arrest of a revenue inspector employed by the Namakkal Municipal Corporation. The official, identified as K Shankar, aged 58, was apprehended on charges of soliciting and accepting a bribe amounting to Rs 20,000.
Details of the Bribery Case
The case originated when a farmer residing in Chinnaayyampalayam approached revenue inspector Shankar to facilitate the transfer of ownership details for a house property. The farmer sought to update the corporation's records, shifting the property title from his father's name to his own. According to DVAC officials, Shankar allegedly demanded a bribe of Rs 20,000 as a precondition for processing and completing this administrative task.
Unwilling to comply with the illicit demand, the farmer took decisive action by filing a formal complaint with the Namakkal unit of the DVAC. Acting promptly on the complaint, DVAC officers devised and executed a meticulously planned trap operation. The sting culminated in Shankar being caught red-handed while in the act of receiving the Rs 20,000 bribe from the complainant.
Broader Implications and Anti-Corruption Efforts
This arrest underscores the ongoing vigilance and proactive measures undertaken by the DVAC to combat corruption within public offices across Tamil Nadu. The incident highlights a troubling abuse of power, where a government official exploited his position for personal gain, targeting citizens seeking routine municipal services.
Such cases not only erode public trust in administrative systems but also impede efficient governance. The DVAC's intervention serves as a stern reminder that corrupt practices will be met with stringent legal action, reinforcing the commitment to transparency and accountability in public service.
Key Points of the Incident:- The arrested revenue inspector, K Shankar, is 58 years old and worked for Namakkal Municipal Corporation.
- The bribe amount involved was Rs 20,000, demanded for transferring property ownership records.
- The complainant was a farmer from Chinnaayyampalayam seeking to update his house ownership details.
- DVAC officers laid a trap based on the farmer's complaint, leading to Shankar's arrest during the bribe exchange.
This case is part of a larger effort by anti-corruption agencies to root out malpractice and ensure that public servants adhere to ethical standards. It also emphasizes the importance of citizen vigilance and reporting mechanisms in upholding integrity within government institutions.