A late-night surprise inspection by the anti-corruption wing at the Gerugambakkam village panchayat office in Kundrathur union, Kancheepuram district, has led to the seizure of a large sum of cash.
Officials said complaints had been received alleging that bribes were being demanded for building permissions in the fast-growing Chennai suburban area, where private apartment projects are coming up in large numbers.
During the raid on the night of August 11, DVAC police from Alandur reportedly found panchayat chairperson Jagadeeswari, vice-chairperson Laila, panchayat secretary Thanigachalam and more than five ward members counting bundles of money. On verification, the cash was found to be unaccounted and totalled Rs 14.25 lakh.
Police questioned the chairperson about the source of the money. She reportedly claimed she did not know how it came to her table, and also gave a conflicting explanation that people linked to a VGN company had brought it for wedding expenses. Suspecting it to be bribe money, the cash was seized.
Apart from this, Rs 32,200 found with the chairperson was also seized after her explanation was found unsatisfactory. DVAC has registered a case against the chairperson, five individuals and panchayat members, and further inquiry is under way, including allegations that Rs 20 lakh was demanded for layout approval.
