CBI conviction rate stands at a lowly 4%, reveals study

Lamenting vigilance and anti-corruption agencies in not taking the lead in highlighting the corrupt practices in the country, vigilance commissioner R Sri Kumar cited a study by the CBI, which revealed a conviction rate of just 3.96% that too after 26 years. Sanjib Kr Baruah reports.

Lamenting vigilance and anti-corruption agencies in not taking the lead in highlighting the corrupt practices in the country, vigilance commissioner R Sri Kumar cited a study by the CBI, which revealed a conviction rate of just 3.96% that too after 26 years.

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"The CBI analysed 264 corruption cases over five years concerning 698 accused of whom 486 were central and state public officials while 212 were private persons. While it took more than 13 months to conclude the investigations, only 8 out of 698 persons who were initially called to questioning for corruption cases were convicted, a dismal 3.96 % that too after 26 years," Kumar said during a conference of Lokayuktas.

"Our dismal conviction rate is responsible for the growing public apathy…there is no certainty of punishment for corruption and that is why corruption has increased," he said.

Calling for more coordination among anti-corruption agencies, Kumar said all such bodies should combine to form an Indian association of anti-corruption agencies.

Naming resource crunch and manpower issues among other problems plaguing the vigilance departments, the commissioner said even this year there has been a cut in the money allotted to the Central Vigilance Commission.

"While handling the Abdul Telgi stamp paper scam, I had only a few lakhs as budget. Many of the bills are yet to be settled due to lack of resources and cumbersome procedures."

With increasing cases of corruption being reported to the commission, he said a dedicated BPO or a KPO needs to be engaged to tackle this mess.