Chennai, July 16 (IANS) The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has suspended six officials, including four senior officers, following allegations of bribery, tender irregularities and financial misconduct in a major disciplinary action aimed at tightening accountability within the civic administration.
Corporation Commissioner G.S. Sameeran ordered the suspensions after a preliminary inquiry into a series of complaints involving corruption, misuse of public funds and violations in official procedures.
The civic body has also initiated departmental proceedings against all six officials, while recommending criminal cases against four of them.
According to Corporation officials, the action follows complaints alleging that some officials accepted bribes, collected money by falsely promising government jobs, misused public funds and committed irregularities in tender processing and financial transactions.
The allegations are now being examined through departmental inquiries, while criminal investigations are expected to proceed in cases where sufficient evidence is available.
The Corporation said the disciplinary measures reflect its commitment to maintaining transparency and integrity in public administration. Officials found to have violated service rules or abused their positions will face strict action in accordance with the law. One of those suspended is the Zonal Health Officer for Manali and Madhavaram. The officer was placed under suspension on July 9 over allegations related to the procurement of medical equipment valued at around Rs nine lakh.
The Corporation alleged that forged invoices were submitted during the purchase process, raising serious questions about the authenticity of the procurement documents and the handling of public funds. The case is currently under investigation, and officials are examining whether financial losses were caused to the civic body.
Sources said the probe is also focusing on whether the alleged irregularities involved a larger network of officials or contractors.
Records linked to procurement, tender approvals and financial transactions are being scrutinised as part of the investigation.
The latest action comes as the Greater Chennai Corporation steps up efforts to curb corruption and improve financial accountability across its departments.
Civic officials said disciplinary proceedings and criminal investigations would continue simultaneously, and further action would be taken if additional evidence emerges during the inquiry.
The Corporation has reiterated that it will adopt a zero-tolerance approach towards corruption and financial misconduct, stressing that public confidence in civic administration depends on transparency, accountability and strict enforcement of service rules.
–IANS
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