A Village Administrative Officer (VAO) working in the Thidakkottai group under Devakottai taluk in Sivaganga district was arrested for allegedly demanding and accepting a bribe of Rs 5,000 for an heir certificate.
According to the complaint, Raja (42) of Thidakkottai had applied for an heir certificate at the Devakottai taluk office on February 26 after his father’s death. The VAO, identified as Sudhakar (46) from R.S. Mangalam in Ramanathapuram district, allegedly told him that the certificate would be recommended only if he paid Rs 5,000.
Raja approached the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption police, who arranged a trap by providing chemically treated currency notes. The VAO reportedly asked Raja to meet him at a bakery opposite the court around 12 noon on Monday and hand over the money there.
After the cash was allegedly passed, a team led by DSP John Britto arrested Sudhakar. Police also noted that Sudhakar had been appointed on compassionate grounds following his father’s death.
