Short-staffed CBI hiring snoopers on contract

Hyderabad: Burdened with several cases of financial fraud, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) - the premier investigation agency dodged with shortage of manpower is now finding a way out of the crisis by hiring "investigators" on contractual basis. The CBI is hiring personnel like auditors, accountants, computer engineers, bankers, taxation and foreign trade experts and retired police officials to assist in investigation of cases.

The move by CBI comes after a shortfall of manpower was witnessed by the agency's top brass. The agency has been entrusted with the investigation of high profile bank fraud cases running into several thousand crore rupees.

In Telangana and Andhra Pradesh alone, the agency has registered several cases pertaining to irregularities in banking over the last three months. "Though several cases were registered and a list of suspects drawn in the First Information Report (FIR), no arrest could be made as we have yet to gather solid evidence to make a fool proof case. Now that officials are being hired and few are already on job, the scrutiny of documents has begun and now there will be more activity," said a senior CBI official. "Bank fraud cases were earlier investigated by the banking fraud division - a specialized unit of the agency. But now all cases are going to the Anti-Corruption Wing," the official said.

The CBI will be roping in officials from various government departments on deputation basis as well for a period of five years or more. Officials coming on deputation to CBI are entitled to a special incentive allowance at the rate of 15 per cent on the pay, officials point out.

The top brass of the agency, in a submission made last year before a Parliamentary Comm-ittee, said that the agency's capacity for investigation was around 700 cases a year, which has now almost doubled, necessitating induction of more officers to supervise them.

Meanwhile, the agency will send a detailed assessment report to the government and the RBI listing flaws in the banking industry and recommending corrective measures.  The CBI's assessment report, sources said, may recommend a complete revamp and improved oversight of public sector banks.  

Sources said that the report includes details on how bank officials, particularly of public sector banks, ignore RBI guidelines while sanctioning credit facilities favouring certain individuals and companies.