Bhubaneswar: State govt has appointed 24 specialists across various fields, including finance, law and cyber security, to enhance the investigative capabilities of Odisha vigilance, agency’s director Yeshwant Jethwa said on Friday.
Jethwa said that investigating officers (IOs) now have support from chartered accountants, banking professionals, legal specialists and cyber experts to assist in corruption cases involving financial misconduct and money laundering.
The govt approved 48 additional posts last month, comprising 8 additional superintendents of police, 24 DSPs, and 16 sub-inspectors for the vigilance directorate to strengthen the anti-corruption agency.
“Odisha vigilance has been giving top priority towards detection of corruption, investigation of such cases, and ensuring prosecution or conviction in courts. Our officers are being advised to take strong actions against corrupt public servants by tapping the latest technology and know-how,” Jethwa said while inaugurating a two-day workshop on investigation and prosecution for vigilance officers here on Friday.
He announced plans to establish a dedicated forensic science laboratory at their Cuttack headquarters. At present, the vigilance relies on the state forensic science laboratory for examining evidence collected from corrupt public servants.
“Provision of laptops and additional vehicles to investigating officers will boost their operational efficiency in tackling corruption among public servants,” Jethwa said.
He highlighted ongoing efforts to improve prosecution rates in courts. “Odisha vigilance has maintained about a 50% conviction rate overall. The conviction rate in disproportionate asset (DA) cases stood at 80%,” Jethwa said.