CHENNAI: To boot out corruption from the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) corridors, the civic body suspended six officials, including four senior officers, for issues linked to bribery, cash-for-jobs, and misuse of public funds.Commissioner GS Sameeran has also initiated a move to remove these officials from service, and at least four of them will face criminal proceedings.The action follows information and evidence received from various sources, including contractors, officials from the Department of Vigilance and Anti-corruption (DVAC), and whistle blowers.Zonal health officer Dr Devikala of Manali and Madhavaram, who submitted fake bills for procuring medical equipment worth ₹9 lakh in 2025-2026, was suspended on July 9, after internal investigation.Siva Porkodi, a senior entomologist in the office of the regional deputy commissioner (central) at Shenoy Nagar, was suspended on July 11 for taking ₹6 lakh from a youth on the promise of a job in the corporation.“Though the official said she returned the money, we still have suspended her, initiated service removal, and have pressed criminal charges on cheating and corruption,” a top official told TOI.Assistant executive engineer Anandarao of Madhavaram zone was suspended for demanding a bribe of Rs 2.5 lakh from a building owner.Baskar, a GCC road worker from Kodambakkam, was suspended on July 10 for receiving Rs 50,000 as bribe from a building owner by threatening him of lock and seal, when the person already had official permission.A bill clerk, Durga, and her husband, Kannan, an NULM worker, were suspended for demanding bribe from a contractor of the mechanical department for clearing bills in Royapuram zone.Besides this, GCC has initiated probe against four officials based on raids done by the DVAC. “Cash ranging from Rs 5,000 and above was seized from their offices, and the officials did not have a proper explanation. Necessary action will be taken on them too,” an official said.Sameeran said erring officials are usually suspended. But now, GCC has initiated their removal from service.“If any official demands bribes or other illegal gratification, it can be directly brought to my notice. I will ensure severe disciplinary and criminal action against the official concerned. The chief minister has ordered us to take non-compromising stand on corruption,” he told TOI .
