Ex-EB staffer gets 3 years' RI for taking bribe

Madurai: Srivilliputhur principal judicial court has sentenced a former TNEB employee to three years' rigorous imprisonment and a fine of Rs10,000 for taking a bribe of Rs1,000 while he was working as a junior engineer in the Assistant Engineer Office, Soolakarai, Virudhunagar, in 2012. The accused, Kanagaraj, demanded the amount from K Ramesh, an electrician who approached him for an electrical connection for his client. Ramesh then approached the Department of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption, which trapped Kanagaraj at his office on Jan 3, 2012.

A case was registered against Kanagaraj, and Srivilliputhur Principal Judicial court heard it. On conclusion of hearing, the court found Kanagaraj guilty and pronounced the sentence. If he fails to pay the fine he would have to undergo six months more of simple imprisonment. Virudhunagar District DVAC has encouraged the public to lodge complaints about corruption in govt offices with the Additional SP, DVAC, at 9498105882 or DVAC inspector at 9498106118. The department would maintain confidentiality of the informers, said a DVAC statement.