On Monday, officers from the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) arrested P.U. Karthikeyan, 59, Joint Director of Drugs Control at the Food and Drug Administration, while he was caught red-handed demanding and receiving a Rs25,000 bribe from a soap factory proprietor. The bribe was allegedly sought to process an application for permission.
Karthikeyan, who also holds additional charge as Director of Drug Control, was apprehended during the sting operation carried out by DVAC officials.
The arrest highlights ongoing vigilance efforts against corruption within regulatory authorities in Kerala.