Bribe for Building Permit: Overseer Arrested by Vigilance in Palakkad
A recent vigilance operation in Palakkad has once again brought the issue of corruption in local governance to the spotlight. The arrest of an overseer for accepting a bribe in exchange for a building permit has sparked widespread discussion on the need for transparency and accountability in public services.
Who was arrested?
C.S. Dhanish, an overseer at the Puthussery Grama Panchayat in Palakkad and a native of Aryanad, Thiruvananthapuram, was arrested by the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau.
What happened?
The complainant, a resident of Kanjikode, had applied for a building permit for a newly constructed 700 sq. ft. building at Chetayankalay. All required plans and documents were submitted to the panchayat.
What were the demands for bribe?
Dhanish visited the site for inspection on May 19. After the inspection, he demanded a bribe of ₹20,000 to process the permit, insisting that ₹10,000 be paid immediately and the remaining amount after the permit was issued. He repeatedly called the complainant to pressure him for the payment.
What happened?
Unwilling to pay the bribe, the complainant reported the matter to the Palakkad Deputy Superintendent of Police (Vigilance). A trap was set up, and on Tuesday at 2:40 PM, Dhanish was caught red-handed accepting the bribe at the complainant’s shopping complex in Kanjikode. The same overseer had allegedly taken a bribe of ₹65,000 from the complainant six months ago for another building permit.
Why Fighting Corruption in Local Bodies Matters
Corruption in local bodies, especially in processes like the issuance of building permits, remains a persistent challenge. What should be a straightforward administrative procedure is too often tainted by demands for illegal payments, creating unnecessary hurdles for law-abiding citizens and fostering a culture of corruption. This not only delays essential services but also erodes public trust in governance.
Recognizing the seriousness of the issue, the vigilance department actively urges the public to report any instances of bribery or misconduct. Citizens can take action by contacting the vigilance toll-free number 1064, calling 8592900900, or sending a WhatsApp message to 9447789100.
Taking strict action against corrupt officials is essential not just to punish wrongdoing, but to send a clear message that such practices will not be tolerated. Transparency and accountability in public service are crucial for restoring faith in local governance and ensuring that essential services truly serve the people, not personal interests. Public awareness and active participation are key to driving this change and building a more honest, efficient, and citizen-friendly system.
Read more at: https://www.deshabhimani.com/News/kerala/bribe-for-building-permit-vigilance-officer-arrested-19152
