Absconding Former Kerala Official Arrested in Bengaluru After Years in Hiding

• Venkiteswara Babu, a former Agricultural Officer from Agali, Palakkad, was arrested in Bengaluru by the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB).
• Babu was absconding after being sentenced to three years rigorous imprisonment and a Rs 10,000 fine in a 2016 corruption case.
• The case dates back to 2006 when Babu misappropriated compensation meant for farmers by creating forged documents.
• He challenged the Thrissur Vigilance Court's verdict in the High Court, but his appeal was dismissed, and he failed to surrender.
• The VACB team traced him to Bengaluru; he will be produced before the Thrissur Vigilance Court.