Officials of the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption on Friday night arrested a Deputy Chief Inspector of Factories and an Inspector of Factories on charges of taking a bribe from the manager of brick manufacturing unit.
According to agency sources, M. Isaimani, Inspector of Factories, Chennai, visited the unit at Gummudipoondi in May. Later, he sent a notice to the firm pointing out to irregularities and sought explanation.
When G. Markandeyan, the factory manager, sent a reply, the official called him to convey that it was not acceptable. While threatening to register a case, he allegedly demanded a bribe of Rs.20,000 to settle the issue.
When Mr. Markandeyan expressed his inability to pay Rs.20,000, Isaimani allegedly took him to A. Ganesan, Deputy Chief Inspector of Factories. Mr. Ganesan allegedly negotiated to reduce the bribe amount.
Mr. Markandeyan lodged a complaint with the DVAC. A special team led by Deputy Superintendents of Police M.B. Natarajan and S. Thirunavukarasu laid a trap and arrested Isaimani. Ganesan was apprehended from his official quarters. The accused were produced before a Sessions Judge and remanded to judicial custody.