Motor Vehicle Inspector Caught Red-Handed Demanding ₹20K Bribe For SUV Registration In Valliyoor, Booked

The Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) has registered a case against a motor vehicle inspector for allegedly demanding a bribe of ₹20,000 to register a new SUV. The inspector, identified as Perumal, was caught in a controversy after an audio recording of him allegedly seeking the bribe went viral on social media.

According to officials, the complaint was lodged by R Suresh Packiam, who had purchased an SUV last year. He had reportedly paid ₹4,35,490 as registration fees, taxes, and a late fee at the Valliyoor registration office. However, Perumal allegedly refused to process the registration unless he was paid an additional ₹20,000. The demand was made both in person and over a phone call with the complainant’s friend, Lawrance, a councillor of the Valliyoor town panchayat.

Suresh stated that he had already transferred ₹10,000 through a digital payment to Perumal’s broker, following the inspector’s instructions. However, when an additional ₹5,000 was demanded, he decided to approach the DVAC. Acting on the department’s advice, he attempted to hand over chemically laced currency notes to Perumal as part of a trap. However, the inspector was allegedly alerted by a broker before he could accept the money.

Following a preliminary inquiry, E Mcclarine Eskhol, Additional Superintendent of Police, DVAC, registered a case against Perumal under Section 7(a) of the Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Act. Further investigations have been initiated into the allegations. Meanwhile, the leaked phone conversation has fueled outrage on social media, drawing attention to corruption in the vehicle registration process.

(With inputs from The New Indian Express)

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