Published Oct 02, 2026 | 4:35 PM ⚊ Updated Oct 02, 2026 | 4:35 PM
Representational image. Credit: iStock
A CPI(M) councillor of the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation has allegedly been caught on hidden camera demanding ₹10 lakh from a landowner, even threatening to have DYFI activists plant their flag on the property if the money was not paid.
Ajin, councillor from the Thrikkannapuram ward, allegedly sought the money from Sanju, a Peyad native, over a 19-cent plot near MLA Road that was being subdivided for sale.
According to the complaint and recordings that surfaced, Ajin claimed that puramboke land was involved and offered either to secure it for Sanju or facilitate its reclassification.
He allegedly demanded ₹10 lakh, saying the sale would fetch a substantial amount and he was entitled to a share.
The audio purportedly records threats to halt construction by involving the police and Village Officer and to block the project if party workers intervened.
Sanju said he had complained to the Home Minister and Mayor, while, Ajin denied having any dealings with the complainant.
Ajin said he had complained to the Village Officer about encroachment of an additional nine cents of puramboke land.
He alleged that the six-month-old video was released now to target him for opposing the encroachment and claimed the footage had been edited to fabricate the bribe demand. He also said he knew Sanju was an RSS leader when he intervened.
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(Edited by Sumavarsha, with inputs from Dileep V Kumar)
