282 calls, seven cases through anti-corruption helpline: Anti-Corruption Branch

NEW DELHI:The Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB) has received 282 calls through Delhi government's anti-graft helpline within 38 days of its re-launch in April this year and seven cases have been registered, an RTI query has revealed.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had on April 5 launched the helpline 1031 and asked people to lodge complaints if they are harassed for bribes by government officials.

"As per record 282 calls have been received through helpline-1031 in Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB) upto May 13, 2015," the ACB said in reply to an RTI query filed by advocate Vivek Garg.

Total seven cases have been registered on the receipt of complaint through the helpline, it said.

The anti-corruption helpline was first launched during Aam Aadmi Party's 49-day stint in power after the 2013 Assembly elections. But it was later discontinued. Reviving the helpline was one of the major poll promises made by the party this year.

"If anyone now demands a bribe then do not deny him. Pay him the amount and also record the conversation or make a sting video. People can complaint against officials and we will track them and take action against them," Kejriwal had said during the re-launch of the helpline at Talkatora stadium here.

Posters put up at public places by Delhi government features highlight the helpline's achievement to arrest 35 and suspend 152 officials for their alleged involvement in corruption.

Over 1.25 lakh calls have been made to the helpline since its re-launch with the highest number of complaints coming against officials of civic bodies, police, transport and Jal Board, a senior official had said earlier this month.