Tamil Nadu’s Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) has registered cases against 64 people after conducting surprise checks at civic offices across the state and seizing Rs 57.98 lakh, officials said.
According to the DVAC, the raids were carried out on July 3 at 41 locations, including corporation, municipality and panchayat offices. The agency said it has so far filed 10 cases in districts such as Tiruvannamalai, Chengalpattu, Pudukkottai, Mayiladuthurai and Thoothukudi.
Investigators said the checks revealed alleged bribery linked to services such as property tax assessment, urban land measurement, building permissions, plan approvals and issuing work completion certificates to contractors. The DVAC also said it found that Rs 26.70 lakh had been received as bribes through Google Pay.
Officials claimed cash was hidden in cupboards and among files, and in some instances kept in trouser pockets. Money was also allegedly stashed in toilets and separate rooms in meeting halls.
The DVAC said those found with cash could not provide satisfactory explanations and gave inconsistent answers, while some private individuals reportedly admitted to paying bribes. Further inquiry is under way, the agency added.
