High Court Orders Special Probe into Cash Seizure and Corruption Allegations in Tamil Nadu Fire Department
The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court on Friday directed the Director General of Police to constitute a special team led by DIG Santhosh Hadimani of the Salem Range to investigate allegations and counter-allegations related to unaccounted cash seized from the office of the Deputy Director of Fire and Rescue Services in Tirunelveli.
Justice B. Pugalendhi observed that the claims and counter-claims presented before the court paint a disturbing picture. A serious allegation has been made that certain individuals within the Fire and Rescue Services Department and the Vigilance Department colluded to falsely implicate officials by planting money and fabricating circumstances suggestive of corruption.
It is alleged that ₹2.25 lakh recovered during a surprise check by the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) was planted in the office. Simultaneously, there are accusations that officials involved in issuing and renewing fire safety licenses have been demanding illegal gratification. The court noted that allegations exist both of corruption in the licensing process and of a conspiracy to frame officials.
The court stated that the case merits a transfer of investigation. While it is undisputed that a significant sum of money was recovered from the office during the surprise check, there is a specific claim that the money was planted beforehand. CCTV footage presented to the court reportedly shows an individual entering the office the previous night carrying a package and leaving without it.
The court directed the special team to examine the allegations against officials of the Fire and Rescue Services and the Vigilance Department, conduct an impartial inquiry, and conclude the investigation within three months. The directives were issued while disposing of petitions related to the case.
