Kochi: Vigilance and anticorruption bureau (VACB) has arrested 10 Kochi corporation officials in the past six years. However, none of them have been convicted; an RTI reply shows.
Of the 10 cases, initial procedures are being taken in four cases while chargesheets have been submitted in the remaining cases. As per the RTI reply given to Raju Vazhakkala, health inspectors, building inspectors, clerks and officials with the revenue department were arrested in corruption cases.
It is through RTI replies that data regarding various projects being introduced by the corporation are revealed.
This causes inconvenience for the corrupt persons at the helm of the corporation office,” Vazhakkala said. Mayor V K Minimol said the corporation is taking steps to curb corruption among the local body’s officials. If a particular file is pending before an official for a long time, I would seek an explanation,” Minimol said. “After the introduction of K-Smart, the quantum of corruption has come down,” she added. At the same time, Minimol said there is a lobby which facilitates corruption using RTI replies. Some of the officials also facilitate this corrupt practice,” Minimol said. Opposition leader V A Sreejith said corruption is a major problem. It should be curbed,” he said.
“It is just a tip of the iceberg. Corruption is rampant in the corporation. It is to facilitate corruption that the corporation authorities recently sought a vigilance probe against RTI activists. “I personally monitor the files movement. “After securing data regarding various projects and proposals through RTI applications, those who are living outside Kochi corporation limits would lodge complaints regarding such projects. “It has been there for the past several years.