Vigilance arrests revenue inspector while receiving bribe during Onam celebration at office

KATTAPANA: The Vigilance booked a revenue inspector for accepting a bribe of Rs 13,000 to transfer ownership of a house. Kottarakkara native Shiju A Aziz, a revenue inspector of the Kattappana municipality, was arrested while accepting a bribe from Valliyamthadam Joshi, a trader in Kattappana, during the Onam celebrations at the municipal office yesterday. Shiju moved to Kattappana from Guruvayur municipality two weeks ago.

The land and house were bought in Joshi's mother's name 35 years ago. Although the land was transferred to the mother's name, the ownership of the house remained in the old owner's name. An application to change this was filed with the municipality on February 16. However, there was no follow-up. Meanwhile, the then revenue inspector got a transfer. Following this, Shiju was moved to Kattappana. Joshi filed one more application last month.

After examining the house and the land, Shiju demanded a bribe of Rs 20,000 after stating that it would cost Rs 60,000 to fix the certificate. Even though Joshi initially refused to pay the money, Shiju remained adamant about the amount. Joshi then informed Kottayam Vigilance SP VG Vinod Kumar. At his suggestion, Joshi went to the municipal office and recorded footage of him talking to the revenue inspector. After being informed of the financial difficulties, the revenue inspector insisted that a bribe of Rs 13,000 should be paid in installments.

Shiju was arrested at 12.45 pm soon after he received money that given by the vigilance officials. The accused will be produced in the Muvattupuzha Vigilance Court today after a medical examination.