DVAC officials have arrested a TNEB lineman in Tenkasi district and two social welfare functionaries in Virudhunagar district in separate bribery cases. The arrests followed complaints from the affected applicants, officials said.
In Sattur, Virudhunagar district, Thamaraikannan of Anna Nagar had applied for government assistance and 4 grams of gold meant for those who have entered into an inter-caste marriage. He alleged that Social Welfare Extension Officer Poongodi and Village Welfare Officer Sakunthala demanded Rs 1,500 to forward his application to the government.
After he approached the DVAC, a trap was laid. As per instructions, Thamaraikannan handed over the treated cash to Sakunthala, who then passed it on to Poongodi. A six-member team led by Inspector Boominathan detained both women and began questioning.
In another case in Tenkasi district, Murugesan (42) of Sokkampatti, who has a free agricultural power connection for his family land, complained about irregular power supply. He alleged that Kadayanallur lineman Vijay photographed the setup and threatened that a penalty of Rs 1.5 lakh would be imposed unless a bribe was paid, later demanding Rs 5,000 over the phone.
Murugesan reported the matter to the DVAC, which arranged a trap. Police led by DSP Balsudhar caught Vijay red-handed while allegedly receiving the treated Rs 5,000, and further inquiry is under way.
