UDF councillors protest against corruption in Kochi corporation
Kochi: UDF councillors protested in front of corporation office on Thursday against authorities' apathy in controlling widespread corruption. They alleged that there is a situation where bribes must be given for any service in the corporation.
"Within four months, five officials were caught by vigilance," opposition leader Antony Kureethara said. "Despite allegations of widespread corruption in the municipality, mayor took no action. During a council meeting a couple of months ago, an LDF councillor alleged that an official at Vyttila zonal office collected a bribe of Rs 50 lakh in the name of chairpersons. Even though it was stated in the council meeting that this would be reported to vigilance, no action was taken.
Corporation is under vigilance scrutiny, and mayor's response that officials should be careful is equivalent to saying, 'Take bribes but don't get caught'," he said.
"In the Vyttila zonal office bribery case, building inspector Swapna's statement revealed that officials collect all the bribe money together and distribute it among themselves, ensuring LDF leadership receives its share," Kureethara alleged. "Despite knowing that intermediaries collect money on behalf of officials, mayor is unable to control them," UDF parliamentary party secretary M G Aristotle said. Protest in front of corporation office was attended by several opposition councillors.
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