State Vigilance Bureau has directed its field officers to initiate suitable legal process against the hostile witnesses under section 182 of Cr.P.C. in vigilance cases without waiting for the final court verdict.This direction was issued by Mr Suresh Arora, DGP-cum-Chief Director Vigilance Bureau (VB) Punjab in a state level meeting with senior officers of Bureau held here at VB headquarters. Reviewing the progress of various Ranges of Bureau he asked the officers to personally monitor and make ensure that no officer or official of Bureau working under their control should indulge in corrupt practices.
Mr Arora stressed upon for effective follow-up (pairvi) of vigilance cases under trial in various courts and directed the officers to initiate appropriate legal action against the witness and shadow witness u/s 182 of Cr.P.C. if they turn hostile during the evidence trial. He instructed that the court judgments should be perused thoroughly after acquittal of 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.
To curb the practice of bribery in public dealing offices the Vigilance Chief asked the officers to identify corrupt public servants so that preventive measures against tainted servants could be initiated. Mr Arora also suggested the 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 from the society. During the review meeting public complaints, vigilance enquires, cases under investigation and under trial were also discussed and necessary directions were passed to the concerned investigation officers so as to ensure efficient and speedy disposal of the pending work.