Friday, January 4, 2013

SCAMSTERS ON THE RUN: ACB sets up two new cells to nail graft accused

Mumbai: To enhance the conviction rates and bring a strict discipline in various departments, the state anti-corruption bureau (ACB) has set up a technical analysis wing (TAW) and a recommendation cell.

While TAW will help the ACB collect technical evidences like data from computer hard disks/motherboards, mirror images, CCTV footages and other evidences, the recommendation cell will suggest punishments for officials caught in the corruption cases. The two cells, which came into effect recently, are the brainchild additional commissioner of police (ACB) Rajesh More.

Sources said that when a public servant is arrested in corruption and disproportionate assets cases , the ACB carries searches of their houses and offices, and seizes computers, laptops, cellphones, etc, as evidence.

“Many-a times, the accused are let off due to lack of evidence or when an investigating officer fails to present technical evidences before the court of law. Some cases are too technical for a layperson to understand. In such cases, TAW will explain the charges,” said More, adding that these cells will reduce the burden on Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL), which is short-staffed.

More said that it was not feasible to transport the entire computer or other electronic devices, hence TAW will retrieve data into hard copies, make mirror images of the motherboard and will help the IO in presenting his case accurately and precisely before the court of law.

About the recommendation cell, an officer said, “It has been seen in the past that court trials go on for years, during which the IO changes and senior officials too get transferred. In such cases, the arrested corrupt officials get acquitted due to lack of evidence or lapses. The recommendation cell will hence suggest to the departments concerned on punishments, stoppage of increments, promotions, etc,” said an ACB officer. In many cases, several accused officers are reinstated at key posts even before their cases are settled in the court, the officer added.

“This cell will see that the accused’s act is brought on record in his Annual Confidential Report (ACR). The cell, after going through court orders, will recommend suitable punishment to the departments concerned,” said the officer.
Courtesy:
S Ahmed Ali TNN
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