The Enforcement Directorate has uncovered a shocking corruption scandal within Tamil Nadu's Municipal Administration Department, revealing that government positions were allegedly being sold for staggering amounts ranging from ₹25 to ₹35 lakh per post.
Supreme Court Intervenes in Rampant Corruption
In a major development, the Supreme Court has taken serious note of the Enforcement Directorate's findings and has directed the Tamil Nadu police to register a First Information Report (FIR) regarding the widespread corruption allegations. The ED's investigation has exposed what appears to be a systematic scheme of selling government jobs within the municipal administration system.
The Price Tag for Public Office
According to the explosive ED report submitted to the Supreme Court, the corruption network operated with brazen openness, with specific price tags attached to various government positions. The investigation suggests that this wasn't isolated to a few individuals but represented a deeply entrenched system within the department.
The evidence presented indicates that:
- Government posts carried fixed price tags between ₹25-35 lakh
- The corruption network operated systematically within the department
- Multiple officials were likely involved in the scandal
- The practice potentially compromised the entire recruitment process
Legal Proceedings and Next Steps
The Supreme Court's intervention marks a significant escalation in the case, with the apex court emphasizing the seriousness of the allegations and the need for immediate police action. The court has specifically instructed the Tamil Nadu police to proceed with filing an FIR, which would formally initiate a criminal investigation into the matter.
This development comes amid growing concerns about corruption in government appointments across various states, with the Tamil Nadu case representing one of the most brazen examples of alleged job-selling schemes uncovered in recent times.
The Municipal Administration Department, which plays a crucial role in urban governance and local infrastructure development, now faces serious questions about the integrity of its recruitment processes and the qualifications of officials appointed through these allegedly corrupt means.
