ACC to monitor probe and prosecution in relief graft cases

NEWS DESK

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Chairman Iqbal Mahmood on Tuesday said a special committee or task force will be formed to monitor the investigation and prosecution activities of the cases filed over relief corruption.

“Like other graft cases, every case of relief embezzlement will be investigated with utmost importance. If necessary, a special committee or task force will be formed to monitor the investigation and prosecution activities of these cases”, he warned.

The ACC is implementing zero tolerance policy to stop relief corruption, the ACC chairman said.

The ACC chairman made the remark while being informed about the ACC intelligence unit’s special report about the type of allegations received on relief corruption.

Expressing satisfaction over the overall activities of the ACC, Mr Iqbal said the ACC officials are carrying out their responsibilities taking risk which is really commendable.

The ACC has so far filed 15 cases in different districts of the country for alleged misappropriation of government benefits, including relief under the government's social security programme. Several people have also been arrested to this end.

For the second time today, the ACC's intelligence unit, through a special report, informed ACC Chairman Iqbal Mahmud about the type of allegations received in this regard.

The progress of the investigation in those cases and the overall condition including the arrest of the accused were also reported to the ACC chairman from the unit.

 According to the report, a total of 15 cases have been filed against some chairman, members and the Union Parishad (UP) secretaries for various irregularities and corruption under the government's social security programme from April 12 to May 11. The investigating officers have been appointed in those cases. The investigation of the cases is currently underway.

Mr Mahmood also pointed out that at the outset of the relief operation, the commission warned about the consequences of embezzlement.