Assam empowers Director Vigilance & Anti-Corruption to lay trap against corrupt public servants

GUWAHATI: What is expected to fight corruption, Assam government has empowered Director Vigilance and Anti-Corruption to lay trap against corrupt public servants for offences of gratification under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988.

The order to this effect issued by the Political (Vigilance Cell), Department, Government of Assam comes into force with immediate effect.

According to the government the Director, Vigilance and Anti-Corruption would not have to obtain prior permission from the Government for conducting preliminary or regular enquiry against any corrupt public servants after being arrested through such trappings. After completion of the enquiry, the Director would obtain prosecution sanction from the Government.

The provisions of Cr.P.C. shall be applicable in respect of laying of trap and conducting investigations following arrest of the person.

Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi has delegated to Chief Secretary, Jitesh Khosla the power of approval for all preliminary inquiries by Vigilance and Anti-Corruption division of Assam Police, to the Principal Secretary, Home & Political Department.

In case of regular inquiries, the Chief Secretary will be the approving authority for officers below the rank of Secretary, while for officers of the rank of Secretary and above, the approving authority will be the Chief Minister.