Wed Dec 04 16:48:45 UTC 2024: ## Kochi Corporation to Investigate Bribery Allegations Against Civic Officials

**KOCHI, December 4, 2024** – The Kochi City Corporation will recommend a Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB) probe into allegations of bribery against its officials. The decision follows accusations made during Wednesday’s council meeting that officials demanded bribes for regularizing illegal buildings.

Development Standing Committee chairperson P.R. Renish alleged an official demanded a bribe for recategorizing a building in Vyttila, claiming the money would be shared with standing committee chairpersons. Mr. Renish’s name was reportedly mentioned during the alleged bribe attempt. CPI(M) councillor P.S. Viju also alleged a Revenue department official demanded a bribe for assigning an unauthorized category number to an illegal building.

In response, the council suspended Revenue Inspector Adarsh Chandran. UDF councillors further alleged widespread corruption within the civic body, with Congress leaders Antony Kureethara and M. G. Aristotle claiming the administration was “neck-deep in corruption.” The VACB investigation will examine these serious allegations.

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