CHENNAI: Hours after the Tamil Nadu government launched a dedicated WhatsApp helpline for the public to report bribery complaints against government officials, a video purportedly showing a local body functionary accepting cash allegedly as a bribe surfaced on social media.
The video, whose authenticity has not been independently verified, purportedly shows NV Veera, president of the Mambakkam panchayat union, who is also TVK's Chengalpattu East district joint secretary, receiving Rs 30,000 in cash from a contractor. In the video, an individual is also heard saying that Rs 1 lakh had already been transferred. The footage appears to have been recorded covertly by the contractor.
Earlier in the day, the Tamil Nadu government directed all government offices to prominently display anti-bribery awareness boards and the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) WhatsApp helpline *94981 80936* to enable the public to report corruption.
The Chief Secretary instructed all government departments, district collectors, local bodies and public sector undertakings to display bilingual (Tamil and English) notice boards carrying the message, *"Bribe giving and receiving is an offence,"* along with the DVAC's contact details.
Departments have also been directed to display the anti-corruption message and a link to the DVAC portal on their official websites. Inspection Wings and Inspection Cells in district collectorates have been tasked with verifying compliance during inspections.
The circular reiterates a series of government orders issued since 2006 to strengthen vigilance and enhance public awareness against corruption.