VIJAYAWADA: The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) officials seem unable to trap corrupt politicians, as the complainants are backing down because of pressure.
But, the ACB officials claim that they do not let anyone go easily, as long as the victims and witnesses stay strong.
According to ACB officials, 10 to 15 per cent of the complaint calls received every month are regarding corrupt politicians, especially ground-level public representatives. The Anti-Corruption Bureau carries out its operations through confidential inquiries and scientific investigation. Most of the suspects are trapped with the help of stable witnesses and complainants. Though the ACB is not answerable to the Home department, it will work under the Chief Minister and gets a free rein. Sometimes, raids are not conducted because of their future implications, a ground-level ACB official told the Express.
As many as 399 cases are pending with the ACB special court in Vijayawada. These cases are from Krishna, Guntur, East Godavari and West Godavari districts. A few of them are against politicians involved in the liquor business.
In the Krishna district, there are no cases against politicians, but the ACB is receiving several complaint calls. In 2015, 28 cases were registered for amount worth `3.18 crore, as per government value, and more than `50 crore, as per market value. Of them, 24 were trapped. In 2016, till date, 15 cases were registered and property to the tune of `11 crore was unearthed. Of them, 10 were traps. According to the ACB officials, corruption among employees can be curbed only if corruption among politicians ends, as the latter exert pressure on the government officials to be in their favour.
The ACB officials also expressed deep concern over slow movement of cases in court, which should not be the ideal case. The pending cases in ACB special court are increasing by the day, as the court is also dealing with the cases under SC, ST Atrocities, POCSO Act, Drugs and Cosmetics Act.
“Specials courts have to be established for the cases under the POCSO Act, SC, ST Atrocities and, Drugs and Cosmetics Act. Many cases are being filed under POCSO and SC, ST Atrocities. So, the burden on the court is huge,” said the district's Deputy Director of Prosecutions Byra Ramakoteswar Rao.