Greater Chennai Corporation Suspends Six Officials Over Corruption and Bribery Charges

The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has suspended six of its officials, including four senior officers, on charges of bribery, cash-for-jobs, and the misuse of public funds. The disciplinary actions took place on July 9 and July 11 across various corporation zones, including Shenoy Nagar, Manali, and Madhavaram. GCC Commissioner GS Sameeran has also initiated moves to permanently dismiss these officials from service, with at least four of them facing upcoming criminal proceedings for cheating and corruption.

According to civic officials, the decisive action follows a compilation of information and evidence gathered from various sources. The evidence against the accused was provided by local contractors, whistleblowers, and officials from the Department of Vigilance and Anti-corruption (DVAC).

On July 9, the GCC suspended Dr. Devikala, the Zonal Health Officer for Manali and Madhavaram, following an internal investigation. Dr. Devikala was found to have submitted fake bills worth ₹9 lakh for procuring medical equipment for 2025-2026.

On July 11, the civic body suspended Siva Porkodi, a senior entomologist working in the office of the regional deputy commissioner (central) located in Shenoy Nagar. Porkodi was suspended for allegedly taking ₹6 lakh from a youth after promising them a job within the corporation. A top official confirmed that despite Porkodi's claims of having returned the money, the GCC suspended her, initiated service removal, and pressed criminal charges for cheating and corruption.

Another senior official suspended was Anandarao, an Assistant Executive Engineer for the Madhavaram zone. Anandarao was suspended for allegedly demanding a bribe of ₹2.5 lakh from a local building owner.

The GCC's actions represent an effort to remove corruption from its administrative corridors, with multiple departments coordinating to investigate the complaints and press charges.