Thiruvananthapuram, Dec 23 (NationPress) The Kerala administration has on Tuesday placed Jail Deputy Inspector General (DIG) M.K. Vinod Kumar under suspension, as he is embroiled in a vigilance inquiry regarding serious accusations of bribery and the unlawful accumulation of assets that exceed his disclosed income sources.

This suspension follows a detailed report submitted by the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB) just four days earlier, amid increasing pressure and criticism regarding the delay in disciplinary measures.

The VACB initiated action against Vinod Kumar on December 17, citing allegations that he accepted bribes from inmates in return for facilitating parole and extending parole durations. A concurrent investigation is underway concerning claims of his acquisition of disproportionate assets.

Following a review of the vigilance report, the Kerala government opted for his suspension, which will persist until the investigation concludes. This decision is notably significant as Vinod Kumar is nearing retirement in approximately four months.

The delay in action had attracted severe criticism from the Opposition, which accused the government of protecting the officer. The administration attributed the lag to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan's absence from the state.

Upon his return from Chennai on Tuesday morning, CM Vijayan reviewed the case file and promptly approved the suspension, according to officials.

The VACB alleges that the DIG accepted bribes to arrange for parole and offer special privileges to convicted inmates. Investigations revealed that funds were collected to grant undue advantages to several high-profile prisoners, including individuals implicated in the TP Chandrasekharan murder case.

Moreover, the vigilance investigation indicated that a retired officer from Viyyur Central Prison acted as an intermediary for Vinod Kumar, collecting bribes on his behalf. Such payments were reportedly funneled through this intermediary to obscure direct connections to the DIG.

In addition to the favors provided to inmates, Vinod Kumar is accused of soliciting bribes from prison officials regarding their transfers and postings. These revelations stemmed from a confidential vigilance inquiry conducted over several months.

With the suspension now enacted, investigations into both the bribery allegations and the disproportionate assets case will proceed. This situation has once again highlighted the issue of corruption within the prison administration, raising essential questions about oversight and accountability within the system.