VACB arrests revenue inspector for allegedly taking bribe

The Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB) on Saturday (February 7) arrested a revenue inspector at Maradu municipality after he was caught red-handed allegedly taking bribe from a resident of Champakkara.

Saiju A.G., a native of Kottamkulangara in Alappuzha, was arrested for allegedly accepting ₹3,000 from the complainant for issuing an ownership certificate of two houses purchased in the name of her daughter and son-in-law, who work abroad.

According to the VACB, Mr. Saiju had done a site inspection of both houses after an application for ownership change was filed online on January 3. He then allegedly sought a bribe of ₹5,000 from the woman when she enquired about the delay in issuing the certificate and forced her to pay him ₹2,000 in her possession at that time. He then reportedly told her that he could issue a certificate for only one house and instructed her to apply again online for the certificate for the second house.

When she met him on Friday (February 6) after filing another application, he allegedly asked her to return on Saturday with ₹3,000 more. The woman then filed a complaint with T.M. Varghese, Deputy Superintendent of Police, VACB Ernakulam unit. The VACB set a trap and arrested the official from his office around 12.50 p.m.

The VACB said the accused would be produced before the Vigilance court in Muvattupuzha.