In a bizarre state of things, quite demoralising for those who dare expose grafts, the vigilance department officers plead helplessness to provide the whistle blowers and their family members with fool-proof security.
This despite the fact that they appeal to the people to register complaints though social networking-facebook and toll free numbers against the persons indulging in
corrupt practices while working in various Government departments — Secretariat, Collectorate, Public Works Department, Food and Civil Supply, land registration, Power, Jal Sansthan and others.
When quizzed over the queer state of things, the vigilance officers as usual repeat the outworn platitudes that the district police would take care of them if such situation arises.
They also say the Government might take some decisions regarding the same in future.
However, they fail to give specific answers whether they would appeal to the state Government to constitute fast track court for fast disposal of graft-related cases cracked by the vigilance department.
The question is grimly relevant as recently a witness in bribe case cracked by the CBI, Sachin Kumar, a labour contractor and financer in Cantt, was attacked by unidentified persons.
He had informed the CBI about the corruption and CBI had subsequently arrested the accused while the latter was accepting a bribe of `5000 from the complainant.
The witness had informed the district police of having received anonymous threat missives.
An FIR was also registered in the Cantt police Station. However, two- bike- borne persons had fired three shots on Sachin Kumar late Tuesday night. The victim is now struggling for his life.
“The incident and the continuing evasive approach of the vigilance officers regarding the security to be provided to those who risk lives to expose grafts are grossly unnerving for the upright section of the people,” said an observer.