Now, CBI will pool in NGOs, whistleblowers in Maharashtra

In an attempt to throttle corruption at the grassroot levels, particularly in rural areas, the CBI has come up with an innovative idea: to identify whistleblowers from across 35 districts in Maharashtra and coordinate with them to get clues on corrupt practices by government departments.

Besides, the investigative agency has also tied up with local NGOs to tackle corruption and will send its officers to all these districts and villages to strike a rapport with people.

“We also plan to publish advertisements in local newspapers inviting people to come forward with their complaints and meet the CBI superintendent,” said Rishiraj Singh, joint director, CBI.

Until recently, the CBI’s Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) used to concentrate mostly in urban areas. They now plan to expand their base to semi-urban and small towns.

The ACB has already contacted several NGOs and other different agencies that have a strong network and presence in the rural areas, said CBI officials.