KOCHI: Investigation of cases registered with the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB) in the district will be further delayed as five DySPs of various units have been transferred. The only saving grace is the exemption of inspectors and sub-inspectors.
The Ernakulam District VACB unit will be the worst hit as the new DySP is yet to be posted. Two officers of the Vigilance Special Cell, Ernakulam, have also been transferred, affecting the investigation of some crucial cases.
DySPs were transferred from the VACB Ernakulam Range as well. “The Special Cell is probing the bar bribery case, amassment of wealth by ex-minister K Babu, corruption case against the former GCDA governing body-including its ex-chairman N Venugopal, graft case against the Consumerfed and the case against top bureaucrat Tom Jose,” an officer told Express.
“In sensitive cases like the one registered against Babu, the investigation is conducted by a DySP. Some of the cases are probed by Inspectors. It will take time for new officers to take charge, study the case and complete the probe,” the officer said.
The Special Cell in Ernakulam had registered 24 cases last year while there are seven this year. Investigation is going on in most of the cases. The bureau’s Ernakulam unit had registered 28 cases in 2016 and 5 this year. They are also being probed.
“Already, the bureau is affected by staff shortage,” the officer said. “Apart from investigating the cases, the officers have to also carry out a preliminary inquiry if there is a complaint.
They have to conduct a probe if a Quick Verification is ordered by the respective Vigilance courts. There are also special drives as per the directives of the headquarters. The transfer will affect all these inquiries.”
Recently, the VACB had reduced the number of cases taken up for investigation. As per the new directive, if there is a complaint against a government officer, the VACB officer has to submit a report to the director. A case can be registered only if it gets the green signal. “The nod for an FIR is given only in cases with enough ground for a detailed probe,” the officer said.