THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: It has been learned that significant bribery transactions related to quarrying and soil smuggling have taken place in Kottarakkara Taluk office. According to the instructions of Taluk Officer Ajikumar, driver Manoj collects the money.

Apart from demanding a bribe of Rs 10 lakh to facilitate the purchase of a quarry involved in the case, Manoj also stated that Rs 1.5 lakh to Rs 2 lakh should be given to the tehsildar every month once operations commence.

The tehsildar also informed that he is ready to meet the person who will buy the quarry on June 3. Action was taken against the officials after collecting video footage of the conversation with the tehsildar, records of phone conversations and the phone conversation with driver Manoj as evidence.

Strong measures will be taken to make the department corruption-free. The public can report corruption directly to the Minister. Complainant information will not be disclosed.

--K. Rajan

Minister of Revenue