'Big fish' must not escape punishment: PM

New Delhi, Aug 26 (PTI) Sending a clear signal to
Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and anti-corruption
officials, Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Wednesday
asked them to go after the "big fish" and not just focus on
petty cases.

"Very often, the fear of harassment and damage to
reputation make public officials unduly timid and slow and the
whole government machinery ineffectual," Singh said opening a
two-day conference of CBI, state anti-corruption bureaux and
vigilance agencies here.

"High-level corruption should be pursued aggressively.
There is a pervasive feeling that while petty cases get
tackled quickly, the big fish escape punishment. This has to
change," he said.

Singh said the government has recently decided to set
up 71 new CBI courts and expected them to function as model
courts, hold day-to-day proceedings and avoid unnecessary
adjournments.

"Rapid, fair and accurate investigation of allegations
of corruption in high places should remain your utmost
priority. The nation expects you to act firmly, swiftly and
without fear or favour. And you have the constitutional and
legal protection and safeguards to do so," he said.

Noting that the conduct of the CBI has come under
severe public criticism on certain occasions in past, the
Prime Minister asked the agency to have critical look at
itself and introspect deeply to further improve its
functioning. (More) PTI ACB
ANU


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