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| VO introduces changes in investigation of trap cases | | 43 cases registered against 45 officials this year, | |
JAMMU NOV 27
To improve the conviction rate and bring more transparency in investigation of trap cases the State Vigilance Organization has introduced some procedural changes in the investigation of trap cases. Under the new procedure the investigators have to get statements of the complainants and shadow witnesses recorded before the Magistrate under section 164 CRPC. This has become necessary as in some cases even the complainants had backed out from their statements under threat or for pecuniary reasons.
A Vigilance Spokesman said that the numbers of trap cases in which public servants are caught red-handed receiving graft money have shown a substantial increase as more and more people are coming forward to lodge complaints against such corrupt officers. During the current year the State Vigilance Organization registered 43 cases against 45 officers who were caught red-handed while taking bribe as against 30 cases registered last year. The bribe amount varied from Rs 500/- to Rs 20,000/-The cases in which successful traps were laid included 13 against revenue officials (including eight patwaris), 11 against Police officials (including one Inspector and two Sub Inspectors), seven against officials of engineering departments (including two AEEs and five JEs), two cases against officials of CA&PD (one AD and one Supervisor) and one each against officials of State Financial Corporation (Dy G.M), Health, Urban Development Agency, Finance, Consumer Protection, Sales Tax, Funds Organization, Education Department (ZEO), PDD (Inspector) and Soil Conservation, the spokesman added..
For bringing transparency in the investigation it has been ordered that the investigating officer of a trap case will not be a member of the trap party which goes along with the complainant and witnesses to catch a public servant read-handed receiving graft money. These procedures are in vogue in the CBI and some other vigilance organizations.
The Government is also considering a proposal to refund trap money on expiry of six months from the date of trap in deserving cases where the complainant cannot afford to wait for the refunds till final disposal of the case. The refund will be made after obtaining court orders and Government will enter into an agreement with the complainant that on conclusion of the trial the trap money, which is the case property, will go to the state exchequer, the spokesman said.
During 2005, the number of trap cases registered were 30 while the investigation of all the 30 cases has been completed and 25 cases challaned in the court of law after obtaining sanction from the Government. Similarly, our of 43 trap cases registered during the current year, investigation of 24 cases has been completed out of which 12 cases were challaned by October end. As far as possible, it is being ensured that investigation of trap cases is completed within 2-3 months and challan produced in the court of law within six months after obtaining sanction for prosecution from the Government.
A spokesman of the State Vigilance Organization has requested people to come forward and lodge their complaints if public servants demand money for carrying out their legitimate duties.
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