KOCHI: The Muvattupuzha Vigilance Court has sentenced former Revenue Divisional Officer (RDO) VR Mohanan Pillai to seven years of rigorous imprisonment in a corruption case. The court, presided over by Judge NV Raju, convicted Pillai under the Prevention of Corruption Act. In addition to the prison term, Pillai has been fined Rs 25,000. After his bail application was denied, he was transferred to Muvattupuzha Sub Jail.

The case dates back to 2016 when Mohanan Pillai was accused of accepting a bribe of Rs 50,000 in connection with the construction of a protective wall in Muvattupuzha's Vazhakulam area. The wall had collapsed, and the homeowner had applied for government assistance to carry out repairs. However, despite all necessary documents being in place, Mohanan Pillai instructed that the construction work be halted.

When Pillai demanded a bribe to proceed with the repairs, the homeowner reported the incident to the Vigilance Department. Acting on the complaint, the vigilance officials set up a trap and Mohanan Pillai was caught red-handed as the homeowner handed over the money. Public Prosecutor VA Saritha represented the prosecution during the trial.