It's been a year since it was launched and the total number of cases registered with the Aam Aadmi Party's anti-corruption helpline has already crossed 3,000. Launched to fight corruption, the AAP may not be buzzing on the streets like it did during its India Against Corruption days but the helpline has helped in connecting with people. The party's helpline number available to citizens is: 9699949331

An idea that germinated after the party lost its deposit in the Lok Sabha elections, the helpline has been a way in for the party to remain in public service despite the political scene. The AAP is certainly proud of its achievement.

"We have managed to get 10 officers suspended from the railway police, traffic police and municipal corporation besides getting some people arrested. Since our definition of corruption is not restricted to bribes, we also take up cases where in there is a delay on the part of officials to not act or provide a particular service," said Mayank Jain, convenor of Mumbai AAP, who looks after the anti-corruption helpline along with senior member Ravi Srivastava.

One such case of non action by the police involved complainant Sunil Ghadigaonkar, a resident of Mahim. A victim of a "government job" scam, his complaint was not being entertained by police. "A number of us were promised jobs in the railways and BMC. They would take money and then nothing would happen. I paid Rs one lakh. When the police were dill-dallying in registering the case, we approached AAP," said Ghadigaonkar.

R Awate, police inspector with N M Johsi Marg police station, confirmed arrest and charge-sheeting in the case. "It was after this case that he too joined our efforts in the anti-corruption cell," said Jain.

The cell which now has a well networked group of volunteers does not function from one place. "We have a party office but there is no dedicated place for the helpline. We could be anywhere and we start working on calls," said Jain. The party, however, has certain dos and donts. Victims have to stand up for themselves and accompany them to offices for investigation. Also, the party does not entertain cases involving private agencies or personal disputes.

"Most of our work has been on the ration office and municipal corporation. These are the places where people suffer the most. In the case of the BMC, three people have been suspended," said Jain, adding: "Very soon 10 officers from another government department will be facing action." With the kind of response the helpline has got, the party has now decided to come up with a website and a mobile application.