Hyderabad: Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao pitched for drastic changes with regard to ACB raids and investigation of corrupt staff during a meeting with Governor E.S.L. Narasimhan at Raj Bhavan on Sunday.
According to sources, Mr Rao told the Governor that the method adopted by the ACB to conduct raids and investigation was unscientific due to which government officials and staff were feeling harassed.
Mr Rao reportedly told the Governor about the recent ACB raid on irrigation department chief engineer Suresh Kumar. The officer was arrested based on a few complaints lodged by some of his opponents — persons within the irrigation department and some family members — who bore a grudge against him.
Mr Rao said the government wanted to bring sweeping changes in the manner in which ACB raids and investigations are done. He said officials and staff would not object if anyone was caught red-handed accepting bribes but when it comes to conducting raids based on complaints lodged by others, the ACB should investigate the matter scientifically and then proceed.
Among the changes Mr Rao wanted were that officials should not be arrested after raids but should be issued notice if disproportionate assets are found. The ACB has to seek their explanation and then take a call on whether or not to arrest them based on their reply.
