Trichy VAO Suspended After Bribery Video Goes Viral
Trichy: A village administrative officer (VAO) posted near Manapparai in Trichy district has been suspended after videos and audio clips allegedly showing him accepting bribes for facilitating sand transportation operations went viral on social media. The suspended official was identified as R Saravanan Balagurusamy, 33, who had been serving as the VAO of Puthanatham since February.
According to sources, the controversy surfaced after videos and audio recordings circulated widely online, allegedly showing the VAO negotiating bribe amounts with a local sand dealer and later accepting cash. On May 16, Balagurusamy intercepted a sand dealer, N Dharmaraj of Vadakku Edayapatti, for storing gravel sand and allegedly demanded Rs 50,000. Later, Dharmaraj's brother, Dhakshanamoorthy, met the VAO for negotiations, sources said. In one of the videos, the VAO is allegedly seen accepting Rs 20,000 in cash.
After the video went viral on social media, Trichy RDO M Salai Dhavalavan ordered an inquiry into the allegations. Officials who conducted the probe confirmed the authenticity of the incident and found that the VAO had accepted the bribe amount. Based on the findings, Balagurusamy was placed under suspension on Thursday evening.
Details of the Incident
The incident came to light when multiple videos and audio clips surfaced on social media platforms, showing the VAO allegedly demanding and accepting bribes. The clips reportedly captured the VAO negotiating with the sand dealer and later taking cash. The viral nature of the content prompted swift action from the revenue department.
Inquiry and Suspension
The Trichy Revenue Divisional Officer (RDO) M Salai Dhavalavan initiated a probe after taking cognizance of the viral videos. The investigation team verified the authenticity of the footage and concluded that the VAO had indeed accepted a bribe. Consequently, Balagurusamy was suspended with immediate effect on Thursday evening. Further disciplinary action is expected based on the inquiry report.
