TN boy starts online begging campaign to bribe officials

Villupuram, Aug 30: The online begging campaign of a 15-year old teen in Tamil Nadu to bribe the village administrative officer in order to sanction the funeral expenses of his father, who died 10 months ago, has reverberated through social media.

Pending enquiry, the VAO was relieved of all charges till further evidence against him was made available. Identified as Ajith Kumar, the boy resorted to begging to collect a sum of Rs 3,000 to get a sanction of Rs 12,500 from the VAO.

On further enquiry, RDO S Senthamarai said that the government had released a cheque in the name of the boy's mother- 40 year old K Vijaya who had settled with her elder son in Mumbai. Her daughter was settled in Villupuram district after marriage, while Ajith was staying with his grandparents in the village.

Senthamarai further said, "In this case, Vijaya is the beneficiary who can claim the compensation. The cheque was drawn in her name. She must have approached the officer concerned to receive the cheque.A minor boy demanding a cheque in the absence of genuine beneficiary creates suspicion. However, the dis trict administration relieved the VAO of all administrative charges to ensure fair inquiry. We will also make a thorough inquiry whether the officer demanded bribe."

On the second day of his begging campaign, a team of police and revenue officials reached the village and spoke to him. "The officials advised him not to resort to such campaigns and directed him to wait until the completion of inquiry . He received 1,800 from the people yesterday and another 1,000 today until he was prevented from continuing the campaign," said one of the officers.

Revenue officials believe that a section of his neighbours and family members misguided him in the absence of his mother, who is the real beneficiary?.

OneIndia News