KOCHI: The Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB)will usher in reforms to fast-track the investigation in corruption cases and ensure conviction of the accused persons. VACB Director Loknath Behera told Express the VACB will be raised to the level of the CBI to conduct effective and time-bound probe in graft cases.
According to Behera, for an anti-graft agency like the VACB, 24 convictions in 10 years was not a flattering track record. Hence,reforms are imperative. “I will write to the government to appoint a commission which will study the current system adopted in Vigilance cases.
If possible the commission shall be headed by a judge with experience in cases registered under the Prevention of Corruption (PC) Act. The commission will look into the issues plaguing the current system and suggest reforms for making the Vigilance system more effective,” he said.
Behera said directions have been issued to expedite the probe in Vigilance cases. “After coming to know about the low conviction rate and number of pending cases, I have issued strict instructions to officers to complete the investigation in a time-bound manner,” he said.
“ We will be introducing a time frame for all the officers to complete the probe. If an officer is unable to complete the probe within the stipulated time, he has to give an explanation for the delay involved. In special cases, we will be forming special teams to conduct the probe and complete the procedures without delay,” he said.
Besides, reforms will be introduced in Vigilance Courts to reduce the pendency of cases. “More prosecutors and Special Prosecutors(SP) will be appointed to avoid cases pending before the court. We will form a group which monitors the performance of the legal side as well. Similarly, a request will be made to the court to avoid unnecessary adjournment in the cases,” said Behera.
Since the VACB officers are on deputation from the Kerala Police, they often lack the necessary experience in dealing with corruption cases. “Some training must indeed be imparted to the officers. This will enhance the quality of the probe and result in successful convictions.
The CBI is securing around 80 per cent conviction annually. In the CBI, an officer has to investigate around three cases, on an average,yearly. The VACB officers have to probe around 10-12 cases annually. This holds up the probe and quality of investigation. We will unveil a new mechanism under which the number of cases with each officers will be reduced,” he said.
High Court raps VACB in bar bribery case
Kochi: Expressing displeasure over the statements filed by the VACB in the bar bribery case involving former Finance Minister K M Mani, the Kerala High Court on Wednesday observed the definite questions regarding the hard evidence to prove the offence against Mani were not seen to be answered properly and
clearly.