In its efforts to seek more accurate information from the public about corrupt officials and instances of graft, the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has made available two mobile numbers that could be called from anywhere in the State to lodge a complaint.
The numbers – 9493449999 or 9493559999 – will be operated by the ACB officials sitting in the control room of the headquarters in Hyderabad.
ACB Additional Director K. Srinivasa Reddy told reporters on Wednesday that the cooperation of the public in booking cases against corrupt officials was important, and there was no question of sparing any official against whom a complaint with specific details was lodged.
“We have sufficient staff to conduct raids and unearth disproportionate properties. We can work in a peaceful environment as there is no pressure involved in our daily work,” he said.
Expressing happiness over the performance of the Vijayawada range in 2009, Mr. Reddy said that of the 39 cases registered during the year, the sleuths of the ACB had laid 21 traps, unearthed seven cases of disproportionate assets and conducted 10 surprise checks on the officials of various government departments.
Misconception
Mr. Reddy said there was a misconception among the public that the complainants will have to attend the court frequently. “They will be required to attend the court only a couple of times, for which they will be paid ‘batta' (allowance) from the department. We will provide protection to them and they need not worry about any possible threat from the officials, against whom complaints have been lodged,” he explained. Mr. Reddy said that the process of returning the money offered as a bribe while laying a trap to nab a corrupt official has been simplified. To a question, Mr. Reddy said there was no special cover to the police from ACB raids and traps. The ACB would treat all officials equally. Deputy Superintendent of Police of the Vijayawada range Rama Umamaheswara Sarma and other officials were present.
