Bribery case: Ex-principal secretary deposes as witness

TRICHY: Sandeep Saxena, deputy election commissioner, Election Commission of India, deposed before the special court for cases under the prevention of

corruption

Act, as a witness in a case of bribery against a deputy director of agriculture department, here on Thursday.


Saxena was the then principal secretary to the government of Tamil Nadu when the directorate of vigilance and anti-corruption (DVAC) had sought permission to prosecute Udayakumar, deputy director (in-charge) of the regulatory marketing committee in agriculture marketing. Saxena informed the court that he had given permission to prosecute the accused.

Udayakumar was caught red-handed by DVAC in Trichy on August 2, 2011, while accepting a

bribe

from retired agriculture staff Periyasamy. He had demanded the bribe of Rs 4,000 to clear his retirement files and disburse his benefits.

DVAC had sought the permission from then principal secretary Sandeep Saxena to prosecute Udayakumar as the procedure required his consent. Udayakumar was placed under suspension following it.

DVAC sources said that the trial will further continue in the case.