Consult probe agencies before revoking suspension: CBIC

Going tough on corruption charges, the Vigilance Directorate chief of the Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs (CBIC) has directed department heads to not revoke suspension of officers in case an enquiry is pending against them.

Ranjan Kumar Sahoo, Director General (Vigilance), has asked officers to consult external investigating agencies before nullifying suspension orders.

In a letter issued earlier this month, Sahoo wrote that his office had received a complaint from the state Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) in which it was stated that suspension of one officer was revoked without consulting them. There was already information with the department that the investigation in the case was yet to be completed.

"This action has a possibility of putting the investigations at the risk of evidence tampering by the suspect officer and defeats the very purpose of suspension," Sahoo said in the letter dated September 9.

The Vigilance Directorate has advised the Principal Chief Commissioners, Chief Commissioners of all the zones, and Principal Commissioners (disciplinary authorities) to take requisite inputs from the investigating agencies before revoking any suspension.

The department heads have been asked to be more careful in cases where the total period of suspension is less than a year.

"Further, for protection of investigations, in cases of serious crime or those involving national security, the advice of investigating agency should always be sought before issuing order for revocation of suspension," the directive said.

The government has been on a major crackdown on corrupt officers in recent months. It has sacked over 60 senior tax officers since June this year on allegations of graft and misconduct.

The Finance Ministry last week compulsorily retired 15 high-ranking tax officials under the Fundamental Rule 56 (J), saying the move was in public interest.IANS