In a major anti-corruption drive within Chennai’s civic body, six officials have been suspended over allegations including bribery, fake billing, and a cash-for-jobs racket. The action marks a significant crackdown on corruption in Tamil Nadu since the TVK-led government came to power in the state.
Many of the suspended officials of the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) have spent years in the urban body, with some having worked there for nearly two decades. The civic agency is considering removing the accused officials from service after a probe if found guilty, instead of limiting the action to suspension.
Criminal proceedings have already been initiated against four of them. GCC Commissioner Sameeran told India Today that the action was in line with Chief Minister Vijay’s zero-tolerance approach to corruption.
The suspended officials include Anandarao, an Assistant Executive Engineer, who was suspended on June 17 for allegedly demanding a bribe of Rs 2.5 lakh from a building owner for issuing planning permission.
Another suspended official, Dr Devikala, a Medical Officer, was suspended on July 9 for allegedly submitting fake bills worth Rs 9 lakh for the procurement of medical equipment during 2025-26.
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Meanwhile, Siva Porkodi, a Senior Entomologist, was placed on suspension on July 11 in connection with a purported cash-for-jobs scam. She and her husband, Jayaprakash, are accused of accepting Rs 6 lakh. Criminal charges have also been invoked against them.
Another GCC employee, Baskar, was suspended on July 10 for allegedly demanding and accepting a Rs 50,000 bribe from a building owner. Authorities allege he threatened to initiate lock-and-seal proceedings to extort the illegitimate payment.
The GCC also suspended Durga and Kannan, a husband-wife duo, on July 15 after it was alleged that they demanded a bribe from a contractor in the Mechanical Department to clear pending bills.
Referring to the overall action, Sameeran said, “Chief Minister Vijay has instructed us to take a non-compromising stance on corruption. Suspension is only the initial departmental action. We will complete the inquiry and decide whether these officials should be dismissed from service or asked to opt for voluntary retirement. We have also initiated major criminal proceedings against the accused officials.”
The action underlines the TVK-led government’s move to pursue both departmental and legal action against officials accused of corruption, with the Greater Chennai Corporation indicating that suspension will not be the end of consequences for corrupt employees.