Wrap up probes as early as possible: Revenue Secy to ED

Concerned over "inordinate" delay in investigations, Revenue Secretary Hasmukh Adhia today asked the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to complete probes as early as possible and pushed for improving the conviction rate.

"Over a period, I have found that amount of delay in finishing the investigation is inordinate. We must do something about it. So many cases are open. At some stage, cases have to be closed," he said at the Enforcement Day event here.

Stating that some cases have been dragging on for 7-8 years, Adhia said, "It is not a good idea to keep so many cases open. We should finish investigation as early as possible."

Adhia also emphasised that actual conviction rate is very poor and there is a need to raise the efficiency.

"While the investigation has resulted in prosecution complaints being filed, the actual conviction rate is very, very poor," he said.

"It is important not only to finish the investigation, but to take it to the prosecution level and follow it up with courts and see to it that people are convicted. So, conviction is the final result of your entire effort and I am going to monitor it regularly."

Highlighting the problems faced by ED, Adhia said one of the issues is the shortage of staff and it is being addressed.

The secretary disclosed that the pending issue of risk allowance to ED staff has also been cleared by the government.

Now, the official under the ED would also be eligible for risk allowance as is the case with other government investigative agencies.