DVAC Arrests Highways Official for Accepting ₹1 Lakh Bribe in Sivaganga

The Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) arrested Syed Ibrahim, an Assistant Divisional Engineer with the Highways Department in Sivaganga, for accepting a bribe of ₹1 lakh. The arrest followed a complaint filed by Kanthasamy, a local contractor from Peria Kilukichi village. Kanthasamy had undertaken road construction projects worth ₹2.5 crore in areas including Satharasankottai and Sivaganga. Although contract payments were released in stages over the past year, the contractor alleged that Ibrahim harassed him to secure the remaining balance of ₹18 lakh, demanding a ₹1 lakh bribe to facilitate the release. Acting on the complaint, DVAC officials orchestrated a sting operation on Monday. Kanthasamy met Ibrahim and handed over the bribe amount using chemically treated currency notes. DVAC police apprehended Ibrahim red-handed as he accepted the money. The incident highlights ongoing efforts by anti-corruption agencies to curb bribery within public infrastructure departments. Further investigations are currently underway to examine the extent of the corruption and any potential accomplices involved in the scheme.