Kochi: The Vigilance Department has conducted raids at the residences of Motor Vehicles Department (MVD) officials across three Kerala districts—Ernakulam, Thrissur and Kozhikode. These inspections come amid the ongoing investigation into former Ernakulam RTO T M Jerson, who was recently arrested in a bribery case and is currently being interrogated in custody.

Two weeks ago, the Vigilance team had conducted a surprise check at the Walayar check post, where they seized bribe money. The latest raids on the homes of MVD officials in the three districts are seen as a continuation of that investigation.

During the earlier inspection at Walayar, an official was reportedly heard asking, "Aren’t we paying you correctly the amount you are expecting? Then why make things difficult?" This incident led to further revelations about bribery networks. Subsequently, it was found that Jerson, the arrested RTO in Kochi, had allegedly threatened his colleagues into collecting Rs 14 lakh in bribes to hand over to the Vigilance team.

These findings indicate the existence of an organised bribery network within the department, prompting stricter enforcement measures, including the current raids.

Meanwhile, the investigation into Jerson continues, with more complaints being filed against him in connection with the bribery case.