BackRunning out of officers to investigate scams: CBI to Supreme Court
According to CBI's latest annual report, published at the end of 2013, it had 922 pending cases and enquiries
Premium
New Delhi: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is running out of officers to investigate scams, the agency told the Supreme Court on Monday.
A special bench comprising justices T.S. Thakur and C. Nagappan, in a hearing relating to the Saradha chit fund scam, expressed concern after CBI told the court that it does not have the manpower to deal with mushrooming cases.
The court asked counsel for West Bengal Kapil Sibal if officers from West Bengal could be deputed to CBI. “Around 600 cases are filed everyday. We need officers to run the state police system efficiently," Sibal replied.
According to CBI’s latest annual report, published at the end of 2013, it had 922 pending cases and enquiries. The total sanctioned strength of the agency as on 31 December 2013 was 6,674, but it had a staff strength of 5,796 officers, with 878 vacancies.
Vacancies exist at all levels—from special or additional director right down to head constable.
The court ordered CBI to file detailed information on the vacancies at the agency, the number of cases being investigated throughout the country and the reasons for not filling up these vacancies.
Attorney general Mukul Rohatgi made a suggestion to the court on Monday during a hearing on the Vyapam admission and recruitment scam in Madhya Pradesh that he would write to all the states to relieve officers to strengthen the CBI.
Solicitor general Ranjit Kumar, appearing for CBI in both cases, said vacancies need to be filled through the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) examination and the process cannot be speeded up.
The Saradha scam case will be heard next on 11 September.
If talks between the West Bengal government and CBI fail and vacancies are not filled up, the court may intervene again.
“We will be compelled to pass an order directing the states to depute officers," justice Thakur said.
Unlock a world of Benefits! From insightful newsletters to real-time stock tracking, breaking news and a personalized newsfeed – it's all here, just a click away! Login Now!
