An assistant data operator attached with Arakkonam Taluk police in Ranipet was arrested by sleuths of Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) for taking a bribe of ₹400 to release a no-objection certificate for passport verification.

DVAC sources said that the complainant K. Sridhar, a resident of Arakkonam, was working in a private firm in Dubai. His family members, including wife Nivedita and daughter, were living in Arakkonam town. Sridhar decided to take his family to Dubai, and wanted to apply for a passport for his wife. As the couple reside within the limits of Arakkonam Taluk police, the application was forwarded to Arakkonam police for verification of details submitted by the applicant.

DVAC sources said that during online verification of the details, K. Raja, the assistant data operator, demanded ₹500 to clear the verification process. He allegedly demanded the money despite the applicant being unwilling to pay for the process. 

Sridhar filed a complaint with DVAC (Chennai). Subsequently, a DVAC team from Arakkonam investigated the complaint and found that Raja had received ₹400 online for the purpose. A case has been registered against him and further probe is under way.