55 officials caught for corruption at check posts in 5 years

PALAKKAD: Despite round-the-clock vigilance, the number of bribed officials at the checkposts bordering Tamil Nadu is on the rise. 55 officials have been caught in bribery cases in Palakkad Walayar and Govindapuram checkposts in five years. Of these, there are 11 officials who have been caught by vigilance twice. RTI Activist Raymond Antony received the reply from the office of Vigilance Palakkad DYSP and the number of bribers.

After the introduction of the Goods and Services Tax system, the bribers were caught in the checks conducted by the Vigilance Motor Vehicle Department from January 1, 2018 to August 17 this year. During this period, Palakkad Vigilance Unit conducted 36 lightning inspections. 9,04,440 found as bribe. The RTI reply also states that all the officers in the cases caught by vigilance during the five-year period up to August 17 have returned to service. There are two cases that are still pending in court.

The integrated check post project, which was laid as part of the 'Azhimatimukta Walayar' project on February 15, 2021 has not progressed even after 32 months. The reason for the stoppage of the dream project of the motor vehicle department was the directive of the Union Ministry of Transport to stop motor vehicle check posts on the state border and the National Highway Authority informed about technical difficulties.

"The construction of the integrated check post will be cleared soon. Efforts are being made to start operations next year. It is hoped that the Centre's objections can be resolved through discussion.

--A Prabhakaran, M.L.A