The latest information obtained under the Right to Information Act by a Mumbai-based activist reveals a surprising story. While Mumbaikars had filed nearly 7,7000 complaints with the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) over the last three and half years, most of these cases were apparently found to be vague or bogus.

The ACB has found only 500 complaints substantial enough for initiating a discrete inquiry.

NO CORRUPTION IN MUMBAI?

"After getting more than 7500 complaints over three and half years, only 7 FIRs were registered. It is very surprising and this data somewhere indicates there is no corruption in Mumbai," said Jitendra Ghadge, an RTI activist.

Ghadge alleged that ACB officers work as typical police station staff while taking the complaint forward.

NOTHING WRONG WITH ACB'S INVESTIGATION: DG

However, Director General of ACB Satish Mathur, told India Today " The figure of 7700 complaints must be complaints which we receive through correspondence or via mail. We file these anonymous complaints immediately as per the government rule. Out of these complaints, if we find any substance in any of these complaints and the complainant gets traced in 10-15 days, then only we proceed with the matter."

Mathur further added, "As far as those who directly come to our office with their complaints, we pursue their matter then and there and if we find it genuine, we take their matter forward."

ACB AT FAULT



Activist Ghatge also alleged that many times, the ACB officials send the complaint against a government official to their respective departments for departmental inquiry. In these cases, remarks by the heads are considered essential for deciding further course of action by the ACB. This hampers investigation.

"Bombay High Court has directed that every complaint which ACB receives should be probed and not be passed to the concerned departments."

Also Read:

IGNOU to offer courses in RTI soon

82 pc buildings in Thane unauthorised, reveals RTI query

