CHENNAI: In a move that has shocked many and raised eyebrows regarding the DMK government’s commitment to tackling corruption, A Jahangir Basha, a former commissioner of the Ooty municipality, has been promoted to Assistant Commissioner of the Tirunelveli corporation despite being caught red-handed with Rs 11.7 lakh in bribe money, prompting widespread criticism and allegations of systematic corruption.
Background of the Controversy
Basha, who was appointed as Udhagamandalam Municipal Commissioner in August 2023, was intercepted by officials from the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) at Doddabetta Junction in the Nilgiri district two weeks ago. Following a tip-off, DVAC officials found the alleged bribe money hidden in his vehicle after monitoring his movements. Reportedly, Basha was in possession of several cash bundles amounting to Rs. 11.7 lakh without a convincing explanation for their source.
An FIR details that Basha confessed to accepting bribes from various contractors for administrative favors, including Rs. 2 lakh for a parking tender and Rs. 4.7 lakh for illegally reducing tax on a commercial establishment. Despite these grave allegations, the DMK government has yet to take significant action against him. Instead, they promoted him to a significantly higher position just weeks after his apprehension.
Public Outcry and Criticism
The decision to promote Basha has resulted in an outpouring of criticism from various quarters. Journalist Thinakaran Rajamani expressed disbelief on his social media handle X, pointing out the apparent injustice of promoting an official linked to corruption allegations. “Jahangir Basha, who was booked by DVAC two weeks ago in Ooty, has been posted as Assistant Commissioner, Tirunelveli Corporation?” he questioned.
According to FIR filed by the State's DVAC, Ooty Commissioner Jahangir Basha allegedly collected bribe of Rs 11.7 lakh in a bag from various people (similar to how a family man buys vegetables after office hours). He was caught red-handed by DVAC and revenue officials. Yet, he… https://t.co/6MBvacKwOg pic.twitter.com/XwW84RAM9C
— Thinakaran Rajamani (@thinak_) November 27, 2024
Anti-corruption activist Jayaram Venkatesan, founder of the NGO Arapore Iyakkam, posted on social media, “Basha was caught red-handed with Rs. 11.7 lakh alleged bribe money. After observing his record and exemplary skill in the art of collecting money, he has been appointed as Assistant Commissioner of Tirunelveli Corporation. Accepting bribes will fetch you special postings, apparently.”
ஜகாங்கீர் என்னும் உதகமண்டலம் நகராட்சி ஆணையர் 11.7 லட்சத்துடன் இந்த மாதம் கையும் களவுமாக லஞ்ச ஒழிப்பு துறையிடம் பிடிபட்டார். அவரின் வசூல் திறமையை பார்த்த திமுக அரசு அவருக்கு ஸ்பெஷல் offer ஆக திருநெல்வேலி மாநகராட்சி உதவி ஆணையராக தற்பொழுது நியமித்து அழகு பார்த்துள்ளது. லஞ்சம்… pic.twitter.com/G71A47LFjG
— Jayaram Venkatesan (@JayaramArappor) November 28, 2024
Venkatesan quoted the FIR, which described how the DVAC officials intercepted Basha’s vehicle and discovered the bundles of cash. His remarks emphasized the troubling implications of the DMK government’s decision to reward Basha with a new position rather than holding him accountable for his actions.
Call for Accountability
Critics have raised serious questions about the DMK government’s handling of corruption in the state. They argue that the swift promotion of an official caught in such a scandal sets a dangerous precedent. Observers note that lower-ranking government employees caught with even smaller sums of bribe money often face immediate arrest and severe penalties, asking why Basha is receiving preferential treatment.
One critic asked, “Is this because he comes from a minority community? Or is it because he’s a skilled ‘money collector’ for those higher up?” Suspicions of systemic favoritism have surfaced, suggesting that certain officials are being shielded due to their connections rather than facing the consequences of their actions.
வெட்கமாக இல்லையா முதலமைச்சர் ஸ்டாலின் அவர்களே..?
லஞ்சம் வாங்கி கையும் களவுமாக சிக்கி FIR போடப்பட்ட ஒரு திருட்டு அதிகாரியை கைது செய்து சிறையில் அடைக்காமல் அவரை மேலும் லஞ்சம் வாங்க வேறு பதவியில் நியமித்த செய்தி வெளிவந்து இரண்டு நாட்கள் கடந்தும், எந்த வித நடவடிக்கையும் எடுக்காமல்… pic.twitter.com/yc4MlN09n0— Arappor Iyakkam (@Arappor) November 28, 2024
The allegations of “scientific corruption,” a term which references the DMK’s historical ties to systematic corrupt practices dating back to the 1970s, have returned to the forefront as political analysts and opponents scrutinize the government’s efforts—or lack thereof—to combat corruption.
The Big Picture
The promotion of Basha comes in the wake of previous controversies involving other DMK officials, highlighting a pattern of rewarding individuals implicated in corruption rather than holding them accountable. Senthil Balaji, currently facing multiple legal challenges, and K. Ponmudi, embroiled in investigations by the Enforcement Directorate, are among those previously rewarded by the DMK despite serious allegations against them.
Political analysts suggest that this trend reflects a broader culture where corruption is not only tolerated but, in some cases, rewarded as part of the governance model in Tamil Nadu. Critics assert that the DMK government’s approach signals a reluctance to confront corruption effectively.
The DMK government has yet to issue a formal response to the outcry surrounding Basha’s promotion. However, the lack of immediate action against him following his capture for alleged corruption has left many disillusioned with the party’s commitment to integrity and accountability in governance.
