Free from Vyapam spotlight, STF focuses on organised crime

Web SumAfter being relieved of the responsibility to investigate the high-profile Vyapam scam, the Special Task Force of Madhya Pradesh police is back to its usual affairs — investigating organised crimes.

After being relieved of the responsibility to investigate the high-profile Vyapam scam, the Special Task Force (STF) of Madhya Pradesh police is back to its usual affairs — investigating organised crimes.

Now, the force is proposed to be divided into 14 cells to track different kinds of organised crimes like illegal smuggling of fake Indian currency, arms and explosives, illegal drug trafficking, crimes against wildlife, human trafficking, money laundering, dacoits, kidnapping for ransom, extortion and interstate fraud cases.

Of the 14, nine cells are already in place and five more are likely to be carved out soon. Each cell will be headed by deputy superintendent of police-rank officers.

And the cells are already hard at work. Recently, in Indore, the STF arrested six persons involved in smuggling arms and recovered 11 country-made pistols.

“Since the investigation of the Vyapam scam has been handed over to the CBI after Supreme Court’s order, we have (shifted focus to the task) for which the STF was formed in 2002,” said a senior STF officer on the condition of anonymity.

Another senior STF officer said one of the cells was still engaged in the investigation of complaints on fake recruitments or exams like Sanskrit Board exams, MPPSC exams and others.

“We are already conducting investigation into MPPSC-2013 and Ayurvedic medical officer question paper leak case. We have several complaints regarding irregularities and racket in various recruitment exams. All the complaints are being scrutinized and one of our cells will dedicatedly work on this issue,” said a senior officer.

STF ADG Sudhir Shahi could not be reached for comments.