Suryavanshi Raises Alarm Over Anti-Corruption Bureau’s Chronic Shortage of Interrogating Officers in Kangra
State Vigilance cum Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) Kangra at Dharamshala is grappling with a severe staffing crisis that is hampering its ability to carry out effective and timely investigations.
As it is evident that the Anti Corruption Bureau is primarily responsible for the detection, investigation and prosecution of cases of corruption among public servants and facilitating government departments to provide an honest, transparent and clean administration.
The bureau, which is supposed to have eight Interrogating Officers (IOs), currently operates with only five, and frequent leaves taken by two of these officers further exacerbate the situation.
Critical Shortage of Staff
According to highly placed sources, of the five IOs currently present, two are often on leave due to various personal reasons. This leaves only three officers to handle the bureau’s substantial caseload. These officers are overwhelmed and are primarily occupied with administrative tasks and reviewing files rather than conducting field investigations.
As a result, inquiries that should take months are dragging on for years, allowing the accused to evade justice and continue their activities unchecked.
Justice Delayed, Justice Denied
The slow pace of investigations is a significant concern for the residents of Kangra. Cases that could potentially expose and penalize corruption are stuck in limbo, effectively denying justice to the victims. The accused, aware of the bureau’s limitations, exploit these delays, prolonging the resolution of cases and making a mockery of the justice system.
Public Outcry
The residents of Kangra are increasingly frustrated with the inefficiency of the Anti-Corruption Bureau. There is a growing demand for the government to address the staffing shortages urgently. Locals argue that the current situation benefits the corrupt and penalizes the honest, creating an environment where accountability is a distant dream.
Calls for Immediate Action
Rajesh Suryavanshi, Chairman of Mission Against Corruption, H.P. has raised the alarm on the serious condition and slow progress of the department in investigating burning, important, and high-profile cases. He urged the Chief Minister to increase the staff to ensure justice and to provide some relief to the overburdened employees.
Community leaders and activists are echoing this call, emphasizing that a fully staffed bureau is essential to tackle the rampant corruption effectively.
The demand is not just for filling the current vacancies but also for increasing the number of officers to handle the rising number of cases efficiently.
Broader Implications
The staffing crisis at the Kangra ACB is indicative of a more extensive problem within the state’s anti-corruption efforts. Without adequate resources, the bureau cannot function effectively, which undermines public trust in the government’s commitment to fighting corruption.
