Dismal state of anti-corruption branch of police
SHILLONG: In an irony of sorts, a Deputy Superintendent of Police appointed under Anti-Corruption Branch to probe corruption charges against public servants, was deputed for anti- insurgency operations in the State.
The Anti- Corruption Branch of Meghalaya police under the supervision of CID is functioning with a skeleton staff thereby affecting investigation of the graft cases against the public servants.
In the absence of a Lokayukta in the State, corruption cases involving public servants are probed by the Anti-Corruption Branch which, however, is not equipped with sufficient manpower.
As per official data provided to The Shillong Times, the post of the DIG to head the Anti-Corruption Branch is lying vacant currently.
Moreover, the Deputy SP appointed under CID is attached to the operation wing of the police headquarters ever since he joined the duty.
What is left with the Anti-Corruption Branch is just a few inspectors and constables.
While there are 3 inspectors appointed under Anti-Corruption Branch, the number of constables under the branch is 4.
The proposal for strengthening the Anti Corruption Branch in the state was submitted to the Government by the police in 2012, but in vain as for the last 3 years, there was no move on the Government’s part to increase the strength of ACB and streamline the functioning of the anti-graft panel, the official statement added. Only 8 corruption cases were registered and investigated into since 1996, but there was hardly any conviction though four public servants were charge sheeted and prosecuted till date.
Anti-Corruption Branch Strength
lDIG post lying vacant for long
lDeputy SP fighting militancy
lNumber of Inspectors: 3
lNumber of Constables: 4