Thiruvananthapuram: Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB) on Sunday raided the house of CPM councillor Ajin S L, representing the Thrikannapuram ward in Thiruvananthapuram Corporation, after registering a case against him over allegations that he demanded a Rs 10 lakh bribe from a landowner.The councillor came under scrutiny after visuals purportedly showing him demanding money and an alleged audio clip of a threatening phone conversation surfaced earlier, putting the CPM on the defensive. The complainant, Sanju, a contractor from Peyad, alleged that Ajin threatened to mobilise DYFI workers to launch a protest at his property and place a party flag there if he refused to pay.According to Sanju, he purchased land in Thrikannapuram ward and divided it into plots for resale. Ajin allegedly approached him during the initial phase of construction and offered to facilitate the registration of adjoining puramboke (govt-owned) land in exchange for Rs 10 lakh. When Sanju resisted, the councillor allegedly threatened to create trouble at the site by mobilising DYFI workers.Sanju alleged that the threats began after he purchased an 11-cent plot along Thrikannapuram MLA Road in April and started construction. The councillor allegedly accused him of encroaching on puramboke land and used the allegation to pressure him for money. The complainant also released an audio recording in which the person identified as the councillor allegedly threatened the individual who had sold the land.Sanju said he visited the councillor’s house and recorded visuals after the threats continued. He denied encroaching on govt land.Meanwhile, Ajin, a Thirumala local committee member of the CPM, denied the allegations and claimed that the complaint was retaliation for his action against alleged encroachment. He also alleged that construction had begun without the necessary permission and said the corporation issued a stop memo after he filed a complaint.
