The Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB) on Saturday (February 7) arrested a tax inspector in Maradu municipality after he was caught red-handed allegedly accepting a bribe from a Champakkar resident.
Saiju AG, a native of Kottamkulangara in Alappuzha, was arrested for allegedly accepting ₹3,000 from the complainant for issuing the title deed of two houses purchased in the name of her daughter and son-in-law, who are working abroad.
According to the VACB, Mr. Saiju inspected the two houses after an application for change of ownership was filed online on January 3. He then allegedly demanded a bribe of ₹5,000 from the woman when she inquired about the delay in issuing the certificate and forced her to pay him ₹2,000 which she possessed at the time. He then allegedly told her that he could only issue a certificate for one house and instructed her to apply online again for a certificate for the other house.
When she met him on Friday (February 6) after making another application, he allegedly asked her to return on Saturday with an additional ₹3,000. The woman then lodged a complaint with TM Varghese, Deputy Superintendent of Police, VACB Ernakulam unit. The VACB laid a trap and arrested the official from his office around 12.50 pm
The VACB said the accused would be produced before a Vigilance court in Muvattupuzha.
Published – 07 Feb 2026 20:00 IST