A chief engineer in the Irrigation Department of Kerala was caught on camera allegedly accepting bribe, following which he was placed under suspension.
The official, TK Sasi, was caught unawares by the joint operation by the Peoples' Channel and anti-corruption forum, Azhimathi Virudha Samiti.
The convener of the forum, PL Jacob, called on Sasi at his residence in the city and offered Rs 25,000 as bribe.
The television channel shot the scene with a remote camera when the visitor who pretended as the aid of a contractor struck the deal with the official and offered him the amount in cash.
The official asked the visitor to leave the money on a table in the room.
After the channel telecast the story, Water Resources Minister Thiruvanchur Radhakrishnan suspended the official and ordered inquiry into the case.