Palakkad: The interstate checkposts in Kerala are notorious for corrupt government officers who often fleece operators of commercial vehicles. Rs 67,000 was seized by the officers of the Vigilance & Anti-Corruption Bureau during a surprise raid on Monday night at the checkpost in Walayar, near the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border, in Palakkad district.
The Vigilance sleuths arrived incognito and saw at first hand how the personnel of the Motor Vehicle Department manning the checkposts enrich themselves by harassing motorists, traders and transporters who ferry goods.
On sensing the presence of the Vigilance team, the Assistant Motor Vehicle Inspector (AMVI) ran off to the nearby forest. Another officer, took shelter in a nearby hospital.
It was found that drivers who queue up for clearance at the checkpost offer vegetables and fruits to the Motor Vehicles Department (MVD) officials to get things done.
Pumpkin and orange are often gifted to officers. Visuals of an officer receiving pumpkins at office have been verified by Manorama News.
The MVD officials hide the bribe money in the nearby forest. When the sum reaches Rs 20,000, the money is wrapped in a leaf and hidden in the jungle.
