On Tuesday, a Special Tahsildar in Adyar and a police constable were nabbed for asking and taking bribes of Rs 3 lakh each to drive out encroachments from a government property in Injambakkam.
They have been charged under the provisions of Prevention of Corruption Act by the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC).
A social activist called Pon Thangavel from Injambakkam has been demanding that all the illegal occupants in his area be evicted. When he filed a writ petition at Madras High Court since no action was taken on his complaints by officials concerned, the court ordered Corporation officials to remove encroachments and file compliance report.
However, when he approached Assistant Commissioner, Chennai Corporation Zone 15 relying on High Court Order for redressal, he got nothing. He spoke to M.P.Amith Regional Deputy Commissioner South who promised him that encroachments would be removed within three days’ time. At this juncture, special tahsildar Saroja was also directed to look after it.
Moreover, while talking with Complainant Thangavel over phone Ms.Saroja pointed out if these encroachments were removed up land value here would shoot up; as such she wanted him to help her collect Rupees One Crore from owners of these lands around where they live. Thangavel who was extremely shocked left the place immediately.
After some time she requested him again into her house and demanded twenty lakh rupees. She asked five lakh rupees advance payment first and then another fifteen lakhs thereafter from him once eviction processes were completed. Subsequently, following the appeal by Thangavel she gave in slightly and reduced the initial sum to three lakhs commanding him to take it there on Tuesday to her office where she works as an official for bribe collection. These events are registered with DVAC
At the suggestion of DVAC sleuths, Thangavel went to Assistant Commissioner Office in Chennai Corporation at Adyar with money. He found Ms Saroja there. She informed a police constable M.Arunkmar attached to Mount Police Station, Crime about the money and directed him to pass it on to her husband Praveen, who is a head constable attached with Mount Armed Reserve Police. While collecting the cash he was apprehended by DVAC officials.
After Arunkumar admitted his guiltiness, Saroja, special Tahsildar and Arunkumar were arrested by DVAC and taken to court for remand.
