ACB weighed down by low conviction rates

Corruption is a combination of corrupt people and corrupt system, says AK Khan

Hyderabad: Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has recorded a relatively low conviction rate of 42 per cent in 2013 against 45 per cent in 2012 and 60 per cent in 2011.

Officials consistently coming up with excuses for lower conviction rates and blame the witnesses turning hostile in a large number of cases due to 'intimidation and threat.'

One main reason for the ACB failing to get conviction is undue delay in filing charge sheet. The sanction from the higher-ups comes late. Section 19 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, mandates that the investigating agency, after completing an investigation of a case for offences under sections 7, 10, 11, 13 and 15 of this Act to obtain prior approval of the concerned authority, before launching prosecution in a court of law. No court could take cognizance of the offences unless such a sanction accompanies the report of the investigating agency filed in the court of law, said a senior ACB official.

“The ACB has no legal backing and it is functioning on the basis of government’s order. A legal backing for Vigilance is necessary to set up fast-track courts and to speed up cases. We are trying to strengthen the liaison between investigating officer and prosecutor. Once the investigation is completed and charge sheet is filed, it is the prosecutor’s lookout to ensure more effective prosecution based on inputs from the investigating officer,” said AK Khan, DG, ACB.

He said that for the first time the involvement and association of Vigilance and Lokayukta with ACB had been formed to facilitate and expedite corruption cases so that conviction rates might increase.

“Monitoring those who amassed wealth disproportionate to their known sources of income definitely comes in our spotlight radar and after proper scrutinizing physical documents they can be convicted,” added the DG.

When asked about the ways of eradication of corruption, he said, “Corruption is a combination of corrupt people and corrupt system which is eating us up from inside. We are reversing the trend of apathy by taking stern action rather than waiting for an ideal solution and opportunity.

Otherwise ACB will have the fear of losing its control,” explained Khan. The Bureau enforces the provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act. It has suo-motu powers to collect information, conduct inquiries and register cases against officials indulging in corrupt practices.

It investigates Disproportionate Assets (DA) Cases of criminal misconduct and misappropriation. .

“A lot of special programmes are being introduced for the officials to keep the officials up-to-date with the latest technical gadgets.

A team has been formed and sent to Delhi for intensive training. The training programme for Chief Vigilance Officers (CVO) and Vigilance Officers (VO) will be starting from February 11. Various training courses on technical gadgets as well as probe procedures are in the offing,” said Khan.

When asked about the most corrupt department, he clarified, “Based on the number of cases registered and current statistics, Revenue Department tops the list followed by Home Department, Panchayat, Municipal, Transport and lastly the Excise Department.”

“If any government employee demands bribe, people should inform ACB on toll free number-155361, 9440446109 (DSP, City Range I), 9440446134 (DSP, City Range II), 9440446140 (Hyderabad), " the DG said.