Pune division records highest corruption traps in state

With 78 traps this year in Pune division, the Pune Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has carried out the highest number of traps in the state. The officials claimed of taking complaints seriously and more people approaching ACB due to increasing public awareness for the rising figure.

According to the ACB statistics, Pune division has recorded 78 trap cases in the state till September 13, 2012, followed by Aurangabad (48), Amravati (41), Nashik (38), Nanded (36), Thane (27), Nagpur (26) and Mumbai (26).

The data reveals that maximum arrests were made of revenue department officials, followed by the police and other departments in the division.

Speaking to DNA, deputy commissioner of police (ACB) Sarang Awad of Pune division said, “A reason behind increasing trap cases is the sincerity of our staff. We have taken every complaint seriously. We hear out the complainant and cross-check before giving directions about the trap.”

According to Awad, demanding huge amount of money as bribe has become a habit.

“Once someone accepts a bribe, his lifestyle changes and to maintain it that person is more likely to get tempted to accept more bribes,” he said.

The agency also makes effort to prevent witnesses from turning hostile due to the delay in the incident and actual trial. Awad said, “We have begun refreshing memories of the witnesses before they depose in court. We expect this to increase the conviction rate.”