Nilambur: Dramatic scenes unfolded during a surprise Vigilance raid at the Joint Regional Transport (RT) Office in Nilambur in which unaccounted cash worth ₹53,800 was recovered. This included a bundle of currency that was thrown out through the office window during the inspection.

The raid also unearthed evidence pointing to links between Motor Vehicles Department (MVD) officials and middlemen operating as agents. The raid, led by DYSP Jyotheendrakumar, was part of ‘Operation Clean Wheel’, a state-wide drive targeting corruption in MVD offices. The Vigilance team arrived at the RT Office located at Chandakkunnu, Nilambur, around 4.30 pm on Saturday.

The operation followed widespread complaints alleging that RT offices were deliberately delaying online applications, forcing applicants to rely on agents who collect bribes and pass them on to officials. Vigilance had also received intelligence inputs that agents regularly hand over such bribe money to MVD staff every Saturday at 4.30 pm.

When the team entered the Nilambur RT office, they found four agents present on the premises. One of them was found carrying ₹4,500 in cash, which was seized. All individuals at the office, including officials, were directed to undergo body frisking.

As DYSP Jyotheendrakumar and gazetted officer Nidhin stepped out of the building to inspect the vehicles of MVD staff and agents, someone from the first floor threw a bundle of currency notes out the window. The cash, which landed in nearby bushes, amounted to ₹49,300. However, officials could not identify who had thrown the money.

Though the vehicle checks did not yield any further evidence, mobile phones of MVD officials and agents were examined. Vigilance officials confirmed that digital evidence, including a message from an Assistant Motor Vehicle Inspector (AMVI) allegedly demanding money, was recovered.

Statements of all individuals present during the raid were recorded. The inspection team included ASI Sharafuddin, Dhanesh and Abhijith Damodar. A detailed report will be submitted to the Vigilance Director for further action.