THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: It is tiresome work for just six vigilance courts to solve all cases related to corruption that has now seeped into every major government department. Vigilance is active with lightning checks and trap operations to eradicate corruption. More than two thousand raids were conducted this year. Lightning inspections were conducted across the state in 16 departments. 145 cases have been registered so far and 42 people were punished.

60 people were arrested through 52 trap operations. 1431 cases are under trial while charge sheets are pending in more than 2,000 cases. But when it comes to bride charges against government officers, around 2000 cases are being dragged on by vigilance without investigating and issuing charge sheets.

Cases since 2006 were pending without investigation or chargesheet. In recent times, the government fast-tracked the proceedings and issued a deadline for completing the cases. This has made vigilance leave their snail pace approach and move ahead with cases.

Corrupt people benefit from delay in indictment and trial. Even in cases where people are caught red-handed, the vigilance play their cards willfully to delay the charge sheet. Otherwise, even if the charge sheet is given, it will take 8-10 years to complete the trial and sentence. By then, most of the defendants would have been promoted and retired, and some would have died.

It is now common for the officers to return to service after serving remand time and suspension. These officers would slowly try their old shenanigans and take bribes again with impunity. Some officials consider the vigilance arrest as a license for bribery. It is also common to use political influence to prolong the cases. In the last five years, more than 800 cases have been pending without any respite.

The government is considering options to start vigilance courts in more districts across Kerala. Revenue, panchayat and health are at the forefront of corruption.