Kochi: Kochi Corporation has suspended A.Swapna, a building inspector at the Kochi Corporation, who was arrested in a bribery case. The mayor said that Swapna had committed a serious crime and that she had decided to report it to the LSGD Principal Director for strict action.
Swapna was at the top of the corruption list prepared by Vigilance. The list also includes other officials from the corporation’s zonal office in Vyttila. Corruption allegations have been leveled against the zonal office before.
Four months ago, LDF councilor P.S. Biju had alleged that a revenue officer in the corporation had demanded a bribe of Rs 50 lakhs for regularizing an illegal building. The matter was discussed in the corporation council meeting and the mayor announced a vigilance investigation. However, it is learnt that the investigation did not go anywhere.
It is commonly said about Swapna that even if she takes money, he will get things done. Vigilance had received information that Swapna was taking bribes. In January, an application was made to get a number for a five-storey building owned by a Vyttila native, but Swapna delayed the process by not granting permission. Later, he demanded a bribe of Rs 25,000 for each floor. Finally, he agreed to pay Rs 15,000. The building owner informed the Vigilance about this and they started monitoring.
Usually, trusted agents collect money for Swapna. However, since the next day was May Day, Swapna decided to collect the money while going to her husband’s house in Thrissur. Although the building owner arrived at the three places mentioned by Swapna with the money given by Vigilance, Swapna did not come.
Finally, Swapna decided to drive a car with her three children and take the bribe near the Ponnurunni bridge in Vyttila. At the same time, the Vigilance arrived at the scene and arrested Swapna. Her 3-year-old child was also in the car. After about 4 hours, her husband arrived from Thrissur to pick up the children. Swapna was kept in the car all this time and was later arrested.
