Vigilance uncovers 200 corrupt officials; 'will employ trap operations'

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Vigilance has found 200 officials in various departments in the state to be severely corrupt. These are the ones who deny services to the people if they do not receive a bribe. Most of them are in the Revenue Department. Next in the line are those from the local government, registration, excise, and motor vehicle departments. This was ascertained through a secret investigation.

Vigilance Director Yogesh Gupta has assigned DIG K. Karthik to constantly monitor these corrupt officials and catch them through trap operations. The list of corrupt officials has been handed over to the vigilance units for monitoring. Since it is a secret list, the names will not be released. Viligance has received permission from the government to proceed with its proposed plan.

Most of the list consists of middle-level officials. Yogesh Gupta told 'Kerala Kaumudi' that if they are caught, it will send a strong message to the corrupt. Phones, bank accounts, and digital money transactions of those on the list will be monitored. Information will be collected from co-workers. The assets of their family members will also be checked.

Trap operations will be increased

Lightning checks and trap operations have been ordered to be increased in all departments. Last year, 44 people, including 39 officials, 2 central officials, and 3 agents, were arrested in 930 lightning checks and 34 trap operations.

427 cases were taken in the last two and a half years. Out of this, 171 cases are from the revenue and local government departments. 1028 employees were charged in bribery cases in the last 5 years.

"Those in the list are most corrupt people. It is necessary to catch them. These are the ones who are sabotaging the services needed by the people." - Yogesh Gupta, Vigilance Chief