World · India Bureau
Former Kerala Deputy Collector arrested in alleged land conversion bribery case
A retired revenue official in Kochi has been taken into custody on charges of soliciting bribes to facilitate property documentation changes. The alleged payments were sought in exchange for settling a complaint and converting agricultural land records.
LSN India ·
Police in Kochi have arrested a former Deputy Collector in connection with an alleged bribery scheme involving land documentation. According to the complaint, the official allegedly demanded money to settle a grievance filed against a property owner and to process the conversion of land classified as 'nilam', or paddy field, in revenue records.
The case centers on the misuse of official authority to extract illegal payments for routine administrative procedures that fall within the normal scope of revenue department functions. The conversion of land classification in government records is a standard process that should be completed without additional charges beyond prescribed fees.
The arrest follows a formal complaint filed regarding the illegal demands. Preliminary investigations have confirmed sufficient evidence to proceed with custody and further questioning. The matter is being treated as a serious breach of conduct by a public official entrusted with revenue administration.
The Kochi police have indicated that further investigation is underway to determine if other cases involving the accused official exist. The incident highlights ongoing concerns about corruption in land-related administrative processes across Kerala's revenue department.