Maximum corrupt officials in Pune division, says ACB report

The Pune division has the most corrupt officials in the state, according to a report prepared by the anti-corruption bureau. The figure for last year was 104 — the highest ever recorded in the last 50 years in the division. The division comprising Pune, Satara, Solapur, Kolhapur and Sangli districts has had the highest number of traps laid by the anti-corruption bureau last year.

With the yearly report being forwarded to the state government, the anti-corruption bureau which looks into the five districts said this was the “highest ever” recorded number of corruption cases.

“Last year, for the 104 cases registered, we have been able to arrest 152 government officials responsible for graft and have been able to collect a trap amount of Rs 17.49 lakh. We have shared the same with the government,’’ said Superintendent of Police (ACB) Sarang Awad after submitting the yearly report.

Though the figures before touched 80, this year the department has recorded a huge upward swing and the total crossed the 100 mark.

“This is a matter of concern. Corruption is very high in the government sector and the figures highlight the same,’’ he added. Last year, Mumbai, Thane and Pune, in that order came across as the most corrupt cities in the state and this year according to the conviction rate of officials, Pune tops the charts with 40 per cent conviction as against Mumbai’s 20 per cent and Amravati and Nanded’s 27 per

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