HR&CE Official in Coimbatore Caught Taking ₹1.5 Lakh Bribe

Quick Summary

• The Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) arrested Assistant Commissioner P. Indira of the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) on charges of bribery.
• Indira,aged 54,was accused of demanding ₹1.5 lakh as a bribe to expedite the process for the HR&CE Department to take over temple administration in sulur’s Pappampatty village.
• The complainant, N. Sureshkumar, representing the Hindu Boyar community, alleged mismanagement and lack of clarity in temple administration and had filed a writ petition in Madras High Court, which ordered HR&CE to act within 12 weeks.
• Following multiple demands by Indira for sums between ₹3 lakh and ₹1.5 lakh, Sureshkumar approached DVAC to organize a trap operation where phenolphthalein-laced cash was used.
• On July 17 at Bharathiar Road near Coimbatore, Indira directed the complainant to place cash into her yellow cloth bag without making physical contact herself; however, phenolphthalein tests conducted on the bag turned positive for tainted currency worth ₹1.5 lakh.
• CCTV footage confirmed her actions during the transaction before officials intervened; she was arrested late Thursday.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The arrest of an HR&CE official highlights critical issues with corruption affecting regulatory oversight in religious institutions-a sector notable both culturally and financially in India. Such cases undermine public trust not only within communities managing temples but also regarding government accountability systems meant to oversee proper fund management.

This incident brings attention to broader challenges surrounding institutional reforms aimed at improving efficiency while reducing incidents like bribery-a recurring obstacle for achieving clear governance within administrative bodies like HR&CE.

while law enforcement measures such as DVAC operations affirm efforts against corruption at grassroots levels nationwide-ensuring continued vigilance through reforms or follow-ups will be crucial across sectors overseeing public assets/services Required Read For Background(Raw Inputs above)!