CBI's SMS drive leads to 500 complaints, laying of 40 traps

New Delhi, Nov 11 (UNI) The CBI today said it has received 500 complaints and laid 40 traps to nab corrupt officials on the basis of SMSes sent to them by the general public.

The agency had undertaken country-wide campaigns by sending SMSes to common people for creating awareness about its 'Anti-corruption' drive.

Almost all the subscribers of GSM/CDMA service providers such as Airtel, Vodafone, MTNL, BSNL, Tata Indicom, Reliance, Idea, Aircel, BPL and others had been asked to send SMS to mobile users. Following this, numerous queries were received by Anti Corruption Branches (ACB) of the CBI regarding the nature of complaints CBI entertains, and the procedure for making such complaints to CBI, etc.

The CBI said the complainants approaching Anti Corruption Branches of CBI have increased manifold (to about 500). ''On the basis of SMSs received by general public 40 traps could be successfully laid during the last month. Additionally, some information about suspected offenders and also about cases, already being investigated by CBI have been received and the same is under process for further necessary action,'' it said in a statement.

The message sent out by the Anti Corruption Branch of CBI, Delhi, had read, "If a Central/Delhi Government/PSU/Bank Employee demands bribe for any official work in Delhi, please contact S P, CBI at 24361535/3541/2494 or 9968081216/17/18" Similar SMS campaigns have been undertaken at Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderdabad, Patna/Ranchi, Kolkata, Lucknow, Bhopal and Chandigarh regions.

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