Dismissed MP Lokayukta driver confesses in bribery case:Says DSP demanded ₹5 lakh to settle matter; DGP constitutes Internal Vigilance Team

Dismissed Lokayukta driver Amit Vishwakarma has confessed that DSP B.M. Dwivedi instructed him to demand ₹5 lakh from a Bhaskar reporter in exchange for burying a case, according to a clarification submitted to the DGP. Following the admission, Lokayukta DG has constituted an Internal Vigilance Team to monitor officers and ordered the installation of CCTV cameras in officers’ rooms. The DG acknowledged that Bhaskar’s sting operation had damaged the organization’s reputation but said it had also provided an opportunity to clean up the system. Bhaskar’s sting operation, conducted on June 3 and 4, exposed an alleged bribery network within the Lokayukta that operated to suppress cases. The network reportedly involved officials ranging from drivers to DSP-rank officers, prompting significant changes within the organization. Read the report… Amit’s confession – DSP asked to demand money After Bhaskar’s expose, DG Lokayukta has dismissed driver Amit Vishwakarma from service. Before this, his side of the story was sought. Vishwakarma said that on April 30, Shyam Sahu (Bhaskar reporter) had called. He said that he got my number and wants to talk about his relative’s case. I called him to meet near the People’s Mall. After getting information about the case, I said- will talk after meeting, sir. The next day, I met DSP BM Dwivedi. During the discussion of the case, he said that voice samples and investigation can be done as long as possible. I asked what needs to be done, so he said to make a deal of ₹5 lakh with Shyam Sahu. Also admitted to speaking by changing voice On May 4, I told Shyam Sahu about the conversation with DSP Dwivedi. He said, okay we’ll get it done, but it won’t be complete right now. After this, I called DSP and told Shyam Sahu to make half the payment on the 19th, the rest after giving the voice sample. On the 19th, Shyam Sahu met at the Lokayukta office. I introduced him to DSP Dwivedi. I don’t know what conversation took place between the two there. When I met Shyam Sahu on 23-24 May, I had told him to speak by changing his voice, so that the case would become weak. Did not even seek clarification from Head Constable Yashwant DG Lokayukta has also dismissed Head Constable Yashwant Singh posted in Sagar. Clarification was sought from Yashwant, but the DG Lokayukta did not accept it. The order states that prima facie it is proven from Bhaskar’s sting operation that you have betrayed the public trust in the anti-corruption campaign. It was also written that the evidence provided in the sting operation is solid, and there is no need for any investigation. Know about the changes in detail 1. Formation of Internal Vigilance Cell A special ‘Internal Vigilance Cell’ is being created in the Lokayukta organization. Its command has been given to a DIG (Deputy Inspector General) level officer. This team will monitor the activities of Lokayukta officers and employees and will conduct secret surveillance of any suspicious activity or complaint. 2. CCTV in Investigation Officers’ rooms To make the investigation process transparent, CCTV cameras will be installed in the rooms of Investigating Officers (IOs) deployed at the Lokayukta headquarters and other units. The purpose is to prevent any kind of irregularity or improper collusion during investigations. 3. Detailed record of visitors Now every person visiting the office will be monitored. A record will be maintained of each visitor, which officer or employee they came to meet, what the purpose of the meeting was, and how long they stayed. DG said- Bhaskar’s revelation gave opportunity for improvement DG Yogesh Deshmukh said that Bhaskar’s sting operation has given the institution a great opportunity to review and improve its internal system. He said that the biggest asset of any investigating agency is ‘public trust’ and maintaining it is their top priority. Strict Message: Dismissal if mistake is made After recent developments, the organization has given a stern message to employees. The DG said that a phase of strict action has begun. Those who make mistakes will be caught, and serious mistakes will lead to direct dismissal. Additionally, the need for ‘soft skills’ training has been felt to improve the behavior of officers. Beware of touts, call center to be set up soon Regarding efforts to connect with the public, the DG informed that SPs of all zones have issued their mobile numbers, but they could not be adequately publicized. The plan to set up a call center had been stalled earlier due to a lack of resources. Now efforts will be made to restart it. He appealed to the public not to get caught in the trap of touts for any work.