Thu Jan 09 13:52:40 UTC 2025: **Madurai Court Rejects Bail for Prison Officials in ₹1.63 Crore Scam**
MADURAI, INDIA (January 9, 2025) – The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court today dismissed anticipatory bail pleas from a prison superintendent and five others implicated in a ₹1.63 crore corruption case. The case, filed by the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC), alleges that officials at the Madurai Central Prison manipulated records to embezzle funds during the purchase and supply of stationery.
Justice N. Anand Venkatesh’s ruling stated that while the investigation initially covered 2016-2021, missing records from 2016-2019 limited the probe to 2019-2021. The court found evidence suggesting that stationery worth ₹1.63 crore was falsely recorded as supplied to seven government departments.
The judge noted the investigation was at a crucial stage, with the investigating officer having examined 12 witnesses and collected 52 documents. He deemed granting anticipatory bail would hinder the investigation, which he described as potentially uncovering a much larger scam. The court emphasized the public interest involved and the need to allow the investigation to proceed without impediment.
First Piper 