CBI turns to SMS to tackle corruption

As part of its nationwide campaign against corruption, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has begun sending SMS messages to mobile phone users on a mass scale across Karnataka seeking complaints against Government officials demanding bribe.

The CBI, which is the country’s premier investigating agency, has tied up with state-owned Bharath Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) and sent SMS messages to all its 1.85 million mobile phone subscribers in one stroke.

“Please inform CBI-Bangalore about officials of Government of India/PSUs (public sector undertakings) demanding bribe or being in possession of huge assets at 080-23332726 or 94480-44355”, read the SMS, which landed in the inbox of BSNL mobile phone subscribers.

In response, the CBI has been flooded with complaints about corrupt officials working in Government departments or public sector undertakings. “The response has been phenomenal. People have been calling us to give leads, clues, information and even incriminating documents”, CBI Superintendent (Anti Corruption Cell), Bangalore, Narasimha Komar told reporters in Bangalore.

“Many times, the common man, who becomes a victim of corruption, does not know whom to contact for relief. Also, many people don’t know how to contact us. We need to open channels of communication with the people”, Komar said claiming that the CBI had now begun involving the people in its fight against corruption.

The general public can send information about corrupt officials through letters, faxes, e-mails, SMS and phone calls. “If someone can’t come to Bangalore to give information, a team of CBI officials will visit them and collect the information. The complaints once received will be followed up and investigated”, Komar said.

Complaints can be registered against employees of federal Government, public sector undertakings, banks and other financial institutions. The identity of the informant will be kept secret, the CBI has assured.

Karnataka is the second state in India after Maharashtra, where CBI has begun involving people in its fight against corruption by sending SMS messages. “It will be extended to the entire country in phases”, Komar said.