The Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB), Ernakulam unit on Friday recorded the statement of a petitioner, alleging that Thrikkakara Municipality, headed by Speaker Ajitha Thanappan, had given Rs 10,000 to all 43 councilors before the Onam celebrations.
Independent councilor PC Manop gave this statement. He said he was aware of the payment by Ms. Thankappan and that councilors from the ruling party had told him about it.
Mr Manoop said the media had circulated audio clips of UDF councilors talking about the case and there were scenes of opposition councilors returning money covers.
The statement was recorded by Circle Inspector CA Vimal in the office of DYSP, VACB. The recording of the statement lasted about four hours.
Controversy erupted after the municipality allegedly gave money to councilors along with clothes distributed to the elderly.
The inquiry was initiated after the opposition councilors lodged a complaint. VACB had earlier inspected the Municipal Corporation office. In the wake of the controversy, the opposition had staged a series of protests against the Speaker.
The VACB had submitted a speedy verification report and the councilor’s statement marked the beginning of a detailed investigation. The agency is ready to record the statements of more councilors in the coming days.
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