AD Agriculture held on graft charge in Ramanathapuram

Kesavaraman, 50, an officer in the rank of assistant director in the agriculture department was arrested on charges of taking bribe for issuing license to an applicant for starting a fertilizer outlet in Ramanathapuram district. Police said on Monday that following a complaint (the petitioner was not willing to reveal his identity), the DVAC registered a case. In his complaint, he had stated that to start a fertilizer outlet in Mudukalathur, the official had allegedly demanded ₹15,000. When the petitioner refused, the official was said to have insisted on giving ₹8,000. Not in agreement, the petitioner lodged a complaint. The DVAC officials gave the cash with chemical coating and while handing it over, the officer was reportedly caught red-handed. Further investigation was on.