A recent week-long anti-corruption operation by the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) in Tamil Nadu resulted in the confiscation of Rs 22.33 lakh in undisclosed cash. Seven government officials were apprehended for allegedly accepting bribes in exchange for various public services. The enforcement drive, conducted from July 4 to July 10, involved surprise inspections at government offices and state border checkposts across multiple districts.
DVAC Director A. Arun disclosed that surprise checks were carried out at 11 government offices in several districts, leading to the recovery of Rs 12.46 lakh in unaccounted cash. Additionally, Rs 9.87 lakh was seized during vehicle inspections at state border checkposts, bringing the total amount of recovered cash during the operation to Rs 22.33 lakh. The initiative aimed to combat corruption and enhance vigilance within government departments.
During the operation, DVAC registered seven successful trap cases where government officials were allegedly caught red-handed while soliciting or receiving bribes. Notable arrests included a Junior Assistant in Villupuram district, a Village Administrative Officer in Tiruppur district, a Police Constable in Chennai, and a Sub-Inspector in Sivaganga district, among others. These arrests were made for various corrupt activities such as approving building plans, processing patta transfer applications, and facilitating marriage-related matters.
Furthermore, a Special Court for Prevention of Corruption Act cases in Villupuram convicted a former Tahsildar and a former driver in a bribery case. Both individuals were sentenced to three years’ imprisonment and fined Rs 1,000 each by the court.
