Cash gift row: VACB registers case

Kochi: Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB) has registered a case in connection with the controversy over the alleged handing over of money packets to the councillors of Thrikkakara municipality.
The case was registered on August 2 under relevant sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act and the IPC. The FIR has named former chairperson Ajitha Thankappan and revenue inspector Prakash Kumar U.
The allegation is that the duo entered into a criminal conspiracy at the time of the Onam celebrations of the municipality in 2021. They allegedly exaggerated the expenditure for Onam celebrations, Independence Day, Chingam 1, etc.
The money gained through alleged misappropriation of municipality funds was given to the councillors by Thankappan in brown covers containing Rs 10,000 each on August 17, 2021, the FIR said.