Punjab VB to crack whip on hostile witnesses

The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) has directed its field officers to initiate suitable legal proceedings against hostile witnesses under Section 182 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) in vigilance cases without waiting for the final court verdict.

The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) has directed its field officers to initiate suitable legal proceedings against hostile witnesses under Section 182 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) in vigilance cases without waiting for the final court verdict.

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Suresh Arora, director general of police (DGP)-cum-chief director, VB, took this decision at a state level meeting with senior VB officials here on Thursday.

He asked the officers to ensure that no officer/official of the bureau working under their control indulges in corrupt practices.

The VB chief stressed upon effective follow-up of vigilance cases under trial in various courts and directed the officers to initiate appropriate legal action against witnesses and shadow witnesses under Section 182 of the CrPC if they turn hostile during the trial. He instructed that the court judgments should be perused thoroughly after the acquittal of the accused and in case the acquittal was due to the fault of any officer/official of the bureau, then stern action should be taken against the delinquent officer/official.

He also asked range officers to create awareness in educational institutions under their respective jurisdiction regarding anti-corruption measures initiated by the bureau and the need to curb the menace of corruption.