VACB's Operation Short Circuit Uncovers Corruption and Irregularities in KSEB

The Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB) conducted 'Operation Short Circuit', a surprise inspection of 70 Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) section offices, uncovering corruption and irregularities over the past five years. The probe found 41 officials accepted bribes totaling Rs 16.5 lakh via bank accounts. It also revealed contract awards bypassed proper procedures, with works split to avoid tenders, repeated contractor selections, poor record-keeping, and substandard execution of projects.