Village Officer held for bribery

According to the DVAC, Shalini (25), a resident of Erayasamuthiram near Kalpadi in Perambalur, applied for the benefit under ‘gold for mangalyam’ scheme a few months ago. However, she could not get the gold quantity sanctioned. Subsequently, she approached the Village Welfare Officer, Jerlin Joy (54), who has been working under the District Social Welfare Office in Peramabalur.

She, however, allegedly demanded a bribe of Rs 2000 to push her application. Unwilling to pay bribe, Shalini lodged a complaint with the Perambalur DVAC. On Wednesday, DVAC sleuths led by Inspector Rathinambal caught Jerlin Joy red-handed while she was accepting the bribe from Shalini, sources said.

She was arrested soon and later was produced before the court and was lodged in prison.