THIRUVANANTHAPURAM : The updated database marks a significant increase from the nearly 700 names listed last year and follows the strengthening of vigilance operations under ‘Operation Zero’, a special anti-corruption drive launched by the state government.
According to VACB data, 869 officials on the list have been classified as Officers of Dubious Integrity (ODI). These are individuals who were previously investigated in corruption-related cases but were not convicted due to administrative shortcomings or legal loopholes.
Officials from departments including Local Self-Government, Revenue, Motor Vehicles, Geology and Forests feature prominently in the database, according to vigilance sources.
The bureau uses the repository to identify targets for special inspections, surveillance and trap operations. The database is compiled using intelligence inputs and information received from the public regarding suspected corruption within government departments.
Kerala’s anti-corruption drive ‘Operation Zero’ has led to a sharp rise in the vigilance watchlist, now covering 1,365 officials compared with nearly 700 a year ago. Vigilance data show 869 are categorised as Officers of Dubious Integrity, reflecting earlier but inconclusive corruption probes. The expanded database supports focused inspections, monitoring and trap operations in key sectors.