Probe into anomalies in TC number allocation

The city Corporation has taken a serious view of the numerous complaints regarding allocation of house numbers in recent times. The Corporation council on Thursday instituted a comprehensive probe into allegations of corruption raised against a section of employees.

The issue came up for discussion after Karamana Ajith of the BJP alleged irregularities in allocating TC numbers. He alleged that a revenue inspector had collected huge sums as bribe from traders in Karamana for the purpose.

On the other hand, several applicants were denied house numbers even after many years, he alleged.

Joining the issue, CPI(M) councillor and chairman of the education and sports standing committee S. Unnikrishnan called for an impartial probe against corrupt officials.

He added that he had earlier raised similar allegations against a revenue inspector posted in Karamana and he was transferred to Nemom. “However, several complaints continue to crop up against the official. A section of the employees is knee-deep in corrupt activities. Strict action should be taken against them,” Mr. Unnikrishnan said.

Members of both the ruling and opposition fronts called for a lenient stance towards property owners who had ceded land for the Karamana-Kaliyikkavila stretch of NH-66 while allocating TC numbers.

Announcing the probe, Mayor V.K. Prashant said the Secretary had been instructed to submit the report prior to the next council meet. He added that the Corporation had currently invited applications until May 15 for the regularisation process in accordance with the Kerala Municipal Building Rules.

Suspension

The council also decided to suspend, pending inquiry, a bill collector D. Suminan, who allegedly failed to return the receipt book issued to levy tax within the Attipra zone, within the 2017-18 fiscal.