Thrissur, Oct 1 (NationPress) The Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau apprehended K.N. Kuttamani, the chairman of the state-operated Clay Pottery Manufacturing, Marketing, and Welfare Development Corporation, on accusations of accepting a bribe related to a government tender for the provision of flower pots.

Sources indicate that Kuttamani was caught in the act of receiving Rs 10,000 from local potters in Chittissery, which was part of a bribery scheme associated with the flower pot supply.

The Vigilance team confronted him at a café in North Stand, Thrissur, as the cash transaction was taking place.

This tender, overseen by the Agriculture Office in Valanchery, was allocated at a rate of Rs 95 per pot.

Despite earlier discussions, the corporation is alleged to have stalled on proceeding with the supply.

Inquiries at the Agriculture Office revealed that fewer than 100 pots had been delivered by a separate group, raising concerns about the legitimacy of the process.

During these irregularities, potters from Chittissery were suddenly instructed to supply pots.

Kuttamani reportedly demanded Rs 3 per pot in exchange for facilitating more orders.

Initially, he requested an upfront payment of Rs 25,000, which he later reduced to Rs 10,000.

It was while accepting this amount from local artisans that Vigilance officers intervened and detained him.

The potters had previously filed a formal complaint with the Vigilance Bureau after Kuttamani's persistent demands.

One complainant stated, "He requested Rs 3 for each pot, similar to what other suppliers had done."

This incident underscores the allegations of corruption within a government-supported welfare corporation aimed at enhancing the traditional pottery industry.

The Vigilance Bureau has initiated further investigations into the involvement of others linked to the contract.

Kuttamani, who is also a committee member of CITU (the trade union faction of the CPI-M), has been placed in custody.