An assistant executive engineer (AEE) and a lineman attached to the Tamil Nadu Power Distribution Corporation (TNPDCL) were arrested for bribery in Salem on Wednesday (July 22, 2026).

The arrested were identified as AEE Ayyasamy and wireman Chandran at the Manjini TNPDCL office.

According to the officials, B. Labesh (35), a resident of Gandhipuram in Ammampalayam near Attur, was constructing a new house in the locality. In order to get a power connection, he approached the TNPDCL office, where Ayyasamy and Chandran demanded ₹14,000 as bribe from him. Labesh gave ₹4,000 to them and was forced to give the remaining ₹10,000.

Following this, he approached the Salem Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC), who set a trap for the duo. Based on their instructions, Labesh gave the ₹10,000 to the AEE and wireman on Wednesday and at that time, the DVAC officials caught them red-handed.

The officials investigated the duo for around four hours and later searched Ayyasamy’s house at Puthur near Thalaivasal, but they did not seize any cash. Following this, the duo were remanded in prison.