Dear Editor,
Time and again there is much hue and cry about the inefficiency of the Vigilance Department in curbing the menace of corruption. This is the only State agency to register and investigate the cases related to corruption. Some of the factors which are relevant to the inefficiency of this department in curbing corruption can well be understood right from the registration of cases, its charge sheeting and follow up in the Courts for conviction. Like the other criminal cases under RPC, the investigation of cases registered under corruption act require an intelligent investigation as the prime accused in such cases are always government employees, ranging from low profile to highest officers including public representatives and ministers and the evidence in the cases is based on documents to the maximum extent. Almost zero conviction in corruption cases is a big dent on such a vast organisation, which is moving towards becoming a white elephant only.
The lack of knowledge of investigating officers about the working system of other departments is major hurdle in such cases. Lack of pervasive knowledge by the I/O is a factor which leaves considerable issues un-touched that prove fatal in judicial proceedings. The time span taken by the investigation process is so long that before the case is brought before the Court, it stands uprooted by the time factor. This also is due to the delayed sanctions by the competent authorities. Most effected aspect of the case pertains to the management of witnesses by the department; the least attended aspect. Practically it has been observed that by the time the trial begins, a considerable number of witnesses as I/Os stand superannuated and the department never manage their travelling from their residences to the Court. Thus the police witnesses escape of their presence before the Court on one pretext or the other as they cannot bear the expenses for a cause rendered for the interest of the department. They are never provided transport neither they are compensated by way of travelling expenses which are mandatory thus losing any interest in the deposition and their casual deposition contributes as major factor in acquittal of the accused. The follow up in the Courts of its cases by the department is just an eye wash, which is looked after by the retired prosecuting officers in almost all the territorial districts. A serious thought is required by the vigilance as to ensure the presence of its witnesses in a dignified manner than calling them by just a w/m through the concerned police station, which is also an insult to the retired police officers of their senior status in the department as well as a senior citizen.
Mahadeep Singh Jamwal (Rtd.SSP)
Ex Vigilance Officer,
Udhampur.
