New Delhi/Chennai: In a major crackdown on corruption, the Tamil Nadu government led by Chief Minister Vijay has suspended seven officials of the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC). An FIR has also been registered against them following surprise inspections carried out at various corporation offices based on inputs from the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC).
During the investigation, clues to unaccounted cash, suspicious digital transactions and alleged irregularities were found. The most talked-about transaction of Rs 2.39 lakh was found in the Google Pay account of an officer, for which he could not give a satisfactory answer.
What was found in the investigation?
A surprise inspection was conducted last week in Zone-6 and Zone-9 of Greater Chennai Corporation. The officials also checked the documents and matched the cash and digital transactions. Meanwhile, suspicious transactions worth Rs 2.39 lakh were revealed in the Google Pay account of an assistant executive engineer. During interrogation, the officer could not give clear details of the source of this money. Apart from this, after indications of unaccounted cash and suspicious financial activities were also found with some other officers, a complete report was sent to DVAC, on the basis of which action of suspension and FIR was taken.
What is the message of the government?
After assuming power, Chief Minister Vijay had claimed to adopt a ‘zero tolerance’ policy against corruption. Even during the election campaign, he had clearly said that bribery and misuse of position will not be tolerated at any level. In recent times, he had also appealed to the common people to complain if any government employee asks for a bribe. The government has also launched a WhatsApp helpline for corruption-related complaints so that people can directly lodge complaints with proof.
Is this the first major action?
No. This is the second major action in the Chennai Municipal Corporation within the last few days. Even before this, six officers were suspended in cases like bribery, fake bills, extortion of money in the name of providing jobs, and misuse of government funds. The Corporation Commissioner has indicated that along with departmental action, criminal cases will also be initiated against those officers against whom sufficient evidence is found. These continuous actions are being considered as part of the government’s anti-corruption campaign.
Why did digital payments also come under scrutiny?
Investigative agencies believe that the method of bribe transactions is changing rapidly. While earlier cash transactions were predominant, now the possibility of suspicious payments being made through UPI and digital wallets has also increased. Recently, in the statewide raids of DVAC, records of suspicious digital transactions worth not crores but lakhs of rupees were found from many government offices. For this reason, this time the bank and digital payment accounts of the officers were also thoroughly investigated.
What will happen next?
At present, all seven officers have been suspended, and a detailed investigation has started on the basis of the FIR registered against them. The investigating agencies will now find out what the source of the suspicious amount was and whether it was related to bribery. If the allegations are proved, then departmental action as well as legal action under the Anti-Corruption Act will be taken against the concerned officials. The government says that in corruption cases, no officer will get relief on the basis of position or influence, and strict action will continue against the culprits.
