Over Rs 11 crore spent on ads, but only 8 cases are filed so far

To publicise anti-corruption vigilance helpline numbers, the Delhi police has spend Rs 1.5 lakh on an average every day for the past two years.

Despite creating awareness among city residents to curb corrupt policemen, only eight cases have been reported and just six policemen have been arrested, according to an RTI reply.

Rs 1.12 crore was spent on advertisements published in newspapers in the period between 1 April 2014 to 24 November 2015 and Rs 10.65 crore was spent on radio advertisements in the same period, the RTI reply revealed. However, the vigilance branch of the Delhi police registered only eight cases under the Prevention of Corruption Act on the basis of information received through the anti-corruption helpline and arrested six police personnel between March 2014 and May 2016, according to a reply provided to a RTI query by activist Sudhir Yadav.

When asked about the ratio of expenses for advertisements and action taken in connection with the anti-corruption helpline, a senior official said, “It can also be seen otherwise that corruption in the force has reduced because of extensive advertising and creating a fear against indulgence in such act.” On the Delhi police’s anti-corruption helpline 9910641064, people can not only just call and register complaints, but also can send a recorded audio or video clip if any policeman harasses them or demands a bribe. Responding to the RTI numbers, a senior police official said it was not possible to have a case registered each day. And if the number of corruption cases against policemen are declining then it is a positive sign, showing that the presence of the helpline numbers was a deterrent for the cops to stay away from making such demands.