Top PCB official held for bribery

According to DVAC sleuths, Muralidharan of Srirangam, who wanted to start a crusher unit in Musiri, applied for a no objection certificate from the district Pollution Control Board Engineer three years ago. But his application was rejected following which Muralidharan approached the TNPCB head office in Chennai, which directed the Tiruchy TNPCB to carry out an inspection and then take a decision on grant permission. 

Subsequently, Muralidharan applied online with the district pollution control board 15 days ago. In a follow-up action, TNPCB district engineer Rengasamy (57), after inspected and surveyed the land. However, Rengasamy sat on the application without giving any reason. 

When Muralidharan approached the engineer to know the status of his application, Rengasamy demanded Rs 1.50 lakh as bribe to give clearance. Muralidharan, who was not willing to pay the amount, lodged a complaint with the DVAC DSP Ramachandran. Meanwhile, Muralidharan who befriended Rengasamy and both used to play shuttle in the court in his land. 

On Thursday, Rengasamy who came to play, inquired about the bribe and demanded the advance of Rs 50,000 from Muralidharan. Muralidharan handed him over the money and the DVAC officials, who were lying in wait, caught him red-handed. Later, the police took him to his house and seized Rs 4.50 lakh unaccounted cash, 1.135 kg gold, 2.079 kg silver and documents worth Rs 27 lakh. He was later produced before a local court and was lodged in the central prison.