Fri Jan 23 17:15:35 UTC 2026: # Coimbatore Government Employee Arrested for Bribery: A Sign of Endemic Corruption?
The Story
On January 23, 2026, Hariharan, a 32-year-old record clerk attached to the Coimbatore north taluk office, was arrested by the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) for allegedly demanding and accepting a bribe of ₹7,000. The complaint originated from a resident of Thudiyalur who had applied for additional legal heir certificates. The applicant reported that Hariharan initially demanded ₹10,000, later reduced to ₹7,000, for providing the requested documents. A trap was set by DVAC Inspector Sheela and Additional Superintendent of Police C. Rajesh, leading to Hariharan’s arrest after a phenolphthalein test confirmed he had handled the bribe money.
Key Points
- Date: January 23, 2026
- Location: Coimbatore north taluk office
- Accused: Hariharan, 32, record clerk
- Allegation: Demanding and accepting a ₹7,000 bribe for issuing additional legal heir certificates.
- Action: Arrested by DVAC following a sting operation.
Key Takeaways
- The arrest highlights the persistence of petty corruption within local government offices in Coimbatore.
- The DVAC’s active role indicates a commitment to combating corruption, but the fact that such incidents continue to occur suggests the problem is systemic.
- The meticulous nature of the sting operation, including the use of phenolphthalein and a thorough search, demonstrates the lengths to which authorities must go to secure arrests in bribery cases.
First Piper 