Conviction rate in Telangana is at 70 per cent

Hyderabad: The ACB has registered a 70-per cent conviction rate in 2017, more than double the figure of 35 per cent in 2014. Most convictions were in trap cases followed by disproportionate assets cases.

One of the main factors that contributed to the high rate was the close monitoring of cases. In May, the ACB secured the conviction of two officials and a court order to confiscate the assessed amount of the accused, which is seen as an achievement. Other factors include the use of technology in investigation; this has helped sleuths in gathering evidence against the accused.

The ACB has purchased equipment that helps trace crucial evidence from fingerprints to match of digital signature, footprints and more. Not revealing much, ACB director-general J. Purnachandra Rao said, “The improved quality of investigation with the help of technology is the key to speednig up the process. Also, the time frame taken by the ACB officer to file a chargesheet is monitored, so that it is not delayed”.

In addition, a mobile app is being developed to effectively monitor court cases and departmental inquiries, Mr Purhachandra Rao said. The ACB units of erstwhile Karimnagar and Adilabad districts topped the state with a conviction rate of 90 per cent last year; it was 70 per cent for the Hyderabad ACB.