In a major anti-corruption crackdown, a GST enforcement officer in Kerala's Palakkad district was caught red-handed by the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB) while accepting a bribe of Rs 3.5 lakh for releasing seized vehicles carrying scrap material, officials said on Monday.
The accused has been identified as Suman P N, an enforcement officer with the Walayar GST Enforcement Squad and a native of Kurudikkad in Palakkad district. Vigilance officials stated that the amount involved is among the highest bribe sums detected in recent trap cases by the department.
How the Bribe Demand Unfolded
According to the VACB, the complainant and his friend jointly operate a scrap business and had legally procured scrap material from various dealers with valid tax invoices. On January 6, two lorries transporting the scrap to a company in Pollachi were intercepted by the GST Enforcement Squad at Kuzhalmannam in Palakkad district.
The vehicles were subsequently taken to the Walayar GST office premises and detained. While the lorry drivers were allowed to leave, officials collected the owner's contact details for further communication.
When the complainant contacted the officer, Suman allegedly directed him and the company's accountant to appear at the GST office with all relevant documents. Despite submitting the required paperwork, they were asked to return after inspection.
Rs 23 Lakh Fine Threat, Rs 4 Lakh Bribe Demand
During a subsequent meeting, the officer allegedly demanded a penalty of Rs 23 lakh, claiming irregularities. When the complainant insisted that all documents were in order and sought a reduction, Suman reportedly said the issue could be "managed" if a bribe of Rs 4 lakh was paid.
The officer later contacted the complainant, asking him to personally hand over the bribe and stating that the location would be communicated later.
Vigilance Trap and Arrest
Unwilling to pay the bribe, the complainant approached the Palakkad Vigilance Deputy Superintendent of Police, following which a trap was laid. On Sunday, VACB officials caught Suman red-handed near Kurudikkad junction while he was accepting Rs 3.5 lakh from the complainant.
The arrested officer is scheduled to be produced before the Kozhikode Vigilance Court on Monday.
Strong Message Against Corruption
Vigilance officials said the case highlights the department’s zero-tolerance approach towards corruption and serves as a strong warning to public servants misusing their authority for personal gain. Further investigation is underway to ascertain whether others were involved in the matter
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