Vigilance officials have successfully apprehended Assistant Labour Officer K.A. Jayaprakash, hailing from Kombodinjamakkal, on charges of accepting a ₹5,000 bribe from a hotel manager in Guruvayur.
The incident began when Jayaprakash, who was then stationed at Chavakkad, conducted an inspection at a hotel near the famous Guruvayur temple on August 30. During the visit, he reportedly informed the manager that the establishment had an excessive number of temporary employees. He then instructed the manager to report to his office on September 16. When the manager appeared as directed, Jayaprakash allegedly proposed a ‘settlement’ for the supposed infraction, demanding ₹10,000 to resolve the issue.
Jayaprakash initially accepted ₹5,000 in cash, with the understanding that the remaining balance would be paid later. Intriguingly, his demands continued even after he was transferred and promoted to the Kakkanad Labour Office on September 17. He then allegedly tried to get the manager to send the outstanding amount via Google Pay. When this electronic transfer was declined, Jayaprakash insisted on receiving the money in person.
Following a formal complaint from the manager, Thrissur Vigilance officials swiftly organized a trap. Their operation proved successful, leading to Jayaprakash’s arrest while he was caught red-handed accepting the illicit payment. He has since been placed in judicial custody.