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Temple Official Busted in Rs 1 Lakh Bribe Scheme
2 Jul
Summary
- Joint commissioner and broker arrested for demanding Rs 1 lakh bribe.
- Bribe was for renovation work at the Vanmeeganathar Temple.
- Arrest made by DVAC Thanjavur unit during a sting operation.
A joint commissioner of the Hindu religious and charitable endowments (HR&CE) department in Thanjavur, identified as B. Jothilakshmi, and a broker, Girija, were arrested by the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) on Thursday. They were apprehended for allegedly demanding and accepting a bribe of Rs1 lakh. This sum was reportedly requested to approve renovation work for the Vanmeeganathar Temple in Deepampalpuram village, Thanjavur district. Madhiyazhagan, a contributor from Nagapattinam, approached the HR&CE joint commissioner for the renovation approval. Upon being asked for the bribe, he lodged a complaint with the DVAC's Thanjavur unit. The DVAC organized a sting operation, during which the bribe money was handed over to the broker, who then passed it to the joint commissioner. Both were caught red-handed and subsequently arrested under the Prevention of Corruption Act. Investigations are ongoing, with officials questioning Jothilakshmi about potential past dealings.
