The Puliyarai transport checkpost on the Tamil Nadu–Kerala border in Tenkasi district has been closed following a series of bribery allegations. District Collector Ranjith Singh directed that the facility be integrated with the nearby police checkpost.
Thousands of mineral-laden lorries reportedly pass through the Puliyarai checkpoint daily en route to Kerala. Drivers had complained that checkpost staff were collecting bribes, prompting inspections by anti-corruption police, during which cash was seized.
The issue drew wider attention after a Malayalam news channel aired a video purportedly showing staff taking bribes at the checkpost. The development triggered fresh scrutiny, and the closure followed soon after.
In an official statement, the Collector cited operational reasons for the move. With both the transport checkpost and a police checkpost functioning within about a kilometre and checking all vehicles, the administration said the dual checks were causing traffic congestion—especially during the Courtallam season—and delays for heavy vehicles carrying essential goods.
Going forward, the Puliyarai transport checkpost will not function separately and will operate in coordination with the adjacent police checkpost, the statement said.
