VAO in Vellore suspended after bribery arrest

A Village Administrative Officer (VAO) named V. Gopinath has been suspended after being arrested for corruption in Vellore. Gopinath, who is 38 years old, was taken into custody by the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) for allegedly demanding a bribe. The incident began when a local resident, S. Nizamuddin, approached Gopinath for assistance with changing the ownership name on a land document, known as a patta. Initially, Gopinath asked for ₹15,000 but later agreed to accept ₹10,000 instead. Nizamuddin reported the situation to the DVAC. They set up a trap to catch Gopinath in the act of accepting the bribe. He was arrested at his office and is now facing charges. Gopinath has been placed in Central Prison in Vellore while the investigation continues.