Shocking revelations have emerged through Right to Information (RTI) inquiries, exposing a grim state of affairs within the economic offense wing (EOW) of the Mumbai Police. This revelation underscores the EOW’s inability to bring justice to thousands of citizens who have fallen victim to white-collar criminals, resulting in the loss of their hard-earned savings and assets.
From January 1, 2018, to July 2023, the EOW registered an alarming 594 new cases related to economic offenses. However, during the same period, a mere 264 chargesheets, summary reports, and closure reports were filed. This disparity implies that approximately half of these cases still linger under investigation, leaving countless victims in limbo.
What’s more, the total approximate amount involved in the 594 cases is a staggering ₹59,057 crore rupees, signifying the gravity of the situation. The EOW’s ability to secure justice for the victims and convict the culprits remains in question.
The figures paint a bleak picture. Within the period mentioned, a startling 319 accused were acquitted, while only 14 were convicted. This dismal conviction rate, accounting for just 4% of the total accused, raises serious concerns about the EOW’s effectiveness.
In cases of economic offenses, refunding the money to victims is a critical component of the justice system. However, the EOW has fallen short, having managed to refund a mere ₹37,24,81,214 rupees so far. This figure represents less than 1% of the ₹59,000 crores currently under investigation, leaving victims grappling with financial loss.
One of the most disconcerting aspects of this revelation is the presence of 93 accused individuals who remain absconding, eluding justice and compounding the challenges faced by victims.
According to activist Jeetendra Ghadge of The Young Whistleblowers Foundation, “The revelations serve as a stark reminder of the need for reform and efficiency within Mumbai’s Economic Offence Wing to ensure justice for victims of white-collar crimes. In the past, an IPS officer serving as DCP at EOW Mumbai was suspended for alleged criminal offenses, a high-level inquiry should be ordered if there were any malpractices that led to such low conviction rates.”
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