COURSE OF ACTION ON COMPLAINTS.

Complaint verification- Any complaint received in the Anti-Corruption Unit is first   verified for the genuineness of its origin. If the address is not verified then it is considered as pseudonymous/ anonymous and no action will be taken.

Discreet enquiry – In case of complaint regarding sensitive issues usually a discreet enquiry is conducted with utmost secrecy by contacting the witnesses and perusing the department records through sources.

Preliminary enquiry – Usually the first enquiry into a complaint/information is in the nature of preliminary enquiry where there is regular examination of witnesses, besides requisitioning the documents and records for scrutiny. However, keeping in view the sensitivities undue publicity in such enquiries is not desirable. The main objective in Preliminary enquiry is to ascertain the availability of substantial evidence, which will sustain a departmental enquiry or disciplinary proceedings or registration of regular case as the case may be.

Regular case- If the material thrown up in a discreet enquiry or preliminary enquiry makes out a prima-facie case for investigation, a regular case is registered under section 154 Cr.P.C. and investigation is taken up.  

Prosecution/Departmental disciplinary action- In cases where allegations have been wholly or partially substantiated in an enquiry or a case, the Anti-Corruption unit will send its report to the Chief Vigilance Officer, A&N Islands . Depending on the strength of the evidence gathered during an enquiry/investigation, the Anti-Corruption unit recommends for prosecution in a court of law or departmental action. If required, the Anti-Corruption unit also recommends for the transfer of a Public Servant to a less sensitive post or another place, in order to ensure a free and fair investigation/enquiry. Prosecution of a serving Public Servant in a court of law requires the prior sanction from the competent authority who is competent to remove the Public Servant from his office.