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Anti-corruption helpline: Large-scale drive from Monday

Posted on January 10, 2014 from Delhi ι Report #149

New Delhi, Jan 10 (IANS) After receiving over 23,000 calls on its anti-corruption helpline within two days of its launch, the Delhi government Friday said it would begin a 'large-scale' drive to nab corrupt officials from Monday.

"Till 10 p.m. Thursday, 11,829 calls were received. Today (Friday) till an hour ago, 11,353 calls have come. In the last 36 hours, we have received over 23,000 calls and a person was trapped successfully," Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said.

"Sixteen (cases) are ready for sting and large-scale operation would be launched from Monday," he told reporters.

A four-digit easy-to-remember helpline number - 1031 - was also launched. Besides, the existing number - 27357169 - would also remain operational.

Kejriwal said one person was trapped, while another, on the verge of being caught, refused to take the bribe at the last moment sensing something wrong.

He said most of the calls pertain to grievances and not of corruption and because of this, lines are getting jammed.

Kejriwal Wednesday announced a helpline which he said would help trap government employees who demand bribes.