The Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB) has so far laid traps and booked 50 cases against public servants for allegedly demanding and accepting bribe in 2025, officials said on Thursday.
According to the VACB, the 50th case was related to the arrest of Srinivasan, a sub-group officer of Mannar Thrikkuratti Mahadeva Temple managed by the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) and receiver of Kuttamperoor Kunnathoor Sree Durga Devi Temple in Alappuzha district, for allegedly accepting a bribe for facilitating temple rituals on Wednesday.
A VACB statement said a total of 68 accused, including government officials and middlemen, had been arrested this year in the trap operations across various departments.
Among the 50 cases, the Revenue department accounted for 17, Local Self-Government department 10, and the Police department six.
Three cases each were registered in the Education department and the Kerala State Electricity Board, while 11 others were reported from various departments.
VACB officials said the TDB official was arrested on Wednesday after a resident of Mannar had contacted Mr. Srinivasan to book pujas at the Durga Devi temple.
After the rituals were performed on November 15 at the complainant’s expense, Mr. Srinivasan allegedly demanded ₹5,000 as bribe and asked for it to be transferred through Google Pay, the VACB said.
Following a complaint, a trap was laid, and Mr. Srinivasan was caught red-handed while accepting ₹5,000 on Wednesday, the statement said.
Vigilance Director Manoj Abraham said corruption in government services was being monitored seriously, and several officials were under constant surveillance.
He urged the public to report corruption and bribery demands to the VACB, and action would be taken against corrupt officials.
Published – November 28, 2025 11:42 pm IST
