THIRUVALLA: Vigilance arrested PC Pradeep Kumar (52) of Sreenilayam at Thakazhi Kunnumma, who is a senior clerk at the building tax department of Kadapra panchayat office. He was arrested while taking a bribe to transfer ownership of a building. The arrest was made on a complaint by a woman from Valanjavattam.

The complainant had approached Pradeep Kumar to transfer the ownership of the building on the land purchased a month ago to her own name. The official demanded Rs 40,000 for this. She agreed to pay Rs 25,000. The first installment of Rs 10,000 was paid last Tuesday in an autorickshaw near Podiyadi junction. He later called the complainant several times, saying that the remaining Rs 15,000 is to be paid to other officials.

Pradeep Kumar asked her to come to Podiyadi at 10 am on Monday with the rest of the money. The complainant then approached Vigilance. Pradeep got into the complainant's car from Podiyadi and went to the Kadapra panchayat office. He took currency notes laced with phenolphthalein, which was given by the vigilance. A vigilance team chased the car and took Pradeep into custody. He was later taken to the panchayat office where he was arrested after dipping his hands in a chemical solution. The accused was produced in the Thrissur Vigilance Court.