RTO arrested in bribery case in Ernakulam for Demanding Money and Liquor from Bus Operator
RTO arrested in bribery case in Ernakulam, Kerala, along with two agents, for demanding cash and liquor from a private bus operator, raising concerns about corruption within the transport department.
The Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB) has arrested Ernakulam Regional Transport Officer (RTO) T M Jerson along with agents Saji and Ramapadiyar for taking bribe from a private bus operator, according to the Indian Express.
While the arrest comes as welcome news for bus operators across Kerala, it has raised significant concerns about corruption within the transport department.
A private bus firm operating between Chellanam and Fort Kochi had exhausted its permit. The manager, who is also a friend of the firm’s owner, applied for extending the permit and even requested a route transfer.
Though the permit was provisionally extended until February 6, it was not permanently renewed despite several follow-up requests.
Then, Ramapadiyar—a close associate of Jerson—approached the complainant, promising that the permit would be extended if a bribe of ₹25,000 was paid.
The complainant was asked to pay an initial installment of ₹5,000 along with a bottle of liquor to another agent, Saji. Alarmed by this demand, he reported the matter to VACB.
Here’s How to Apply for the 503 New Private Bus Permits in Kerala
Caught in the Act
A sting operation ensued. VACB agents arrested Saji and Ramapadiyar in the act of accepting the bribe right outside the RTO office.
Both agents confessed that they had acted under Jerson’s instructions. Soon after, Jerson was taken into custody and shifted to the VACB office in Kathrikadavu.
A subsequent raid at his residence uncovered ₹60,000 in cash and over 50 bottles of expensive liquor.
The incident has sparked a controversy and authorities are looking into whether other officials might be complicit in this corruption network.
Kerala Mayor VS KSRTC Driver Dispute: What Actually Happened?
A Pattern of Corruption
In the last four months, nine government officers in the district have been arrested while accepting bribes.
VACB SP S Sasidharan stated, “Jerson was under our radar for several months. His land purchases and various investments raised serious suspicions. The wealth he has amassed will be thoroughly examined.”
This arrest, one of several in the state, underscores the urgent need for reforms in public transport administration.
The arrested individuals are scheduled to appear before the Vigilance Court on Thursday. Further interrogations will follow as investigators seek to uncover additional details about this case.
