ACB records almost 100% rise in number of traps

In a record-breaking feat, the state Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has laid 500 traps this year to date, which is a 95% increase as compared to the corresponding period of last year. The number of traps last year was 257. The number of arrests have also increased from 327 to 683.

Director general of ACB Pravin Dixit believes that transparent functioning of the organisation in the last few months coupled with hard work of the officers has led to this increase. "Faith of the common man has also increased, which is why a lot of people have started approaching us," added Dixit.

Several initiatives, such as SMS drives, meeting at taluka levels, interacting with government employees etc, have also helped the ACB restore their faith among the common man. The agency has also started a helpline system in both urban and rural areas, whereby each district has been allotted two toll-free numbers that can be used by complainants to alert officials.

"We are also watchful of those organisations and departments from where we have received maximum complaints. We keep a tab on the goings-on of suspected officers through our technology and tracking mechanism by interacting with them and also with people who visit them," said Dixit.

While revenue and police continue to top the list of most corrupt organisations, various other government agencies such as health, education and BMC are also on the radar of the ACB.