VACB arrests Kochi Corporation official on charge of taking bribe

VACB arrests Kochi Corporation building inspector for taking bribe, part of ongoing crackdown on corruption in the city.

The Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB) on Wednesday (April 30, 2025) arrested a building inspector of the Kochi Corporation on charge of taking bribe.

Swapna, building inspector of the Corporation’s zonal office at Vyttila, had allegedly sought ₹15,000 for processing an application seeking a building number. She was held by the Vigilance officials at Ponnurunni near Vyttila while allegedly accepting the bribe. She had come in her vehicle allegedly to collect the bribe.

S. Sasidharan, Superintendent of Police, VACB Ernakulam unit, said that she was under the scanner following alleged complaints of demanding bribes from various persons. She had demanded bribe even after the applicant had carried out the required rectifications as directed by her, he said.

The VACB had placed the various officials of the Kochi Corporation under its surveillance following complaints from the public. On December 6, 2024, it had arrested three health wing officials of the Kochi Corporation on bribery charges. They allegedly sought ₹50,000 for processing an application for opening a mobile accessories wholesale shop. They were arrested while allegedly accepting ₹10,000 as bribe.