200 agents for criminal investigation in I-T dept
Amid pressure to crack down on black money, the government is set to hire 200 special agents to probe cases taken up by the newly-set up Directorate of Criminal Investigation (DCI) under the Income Tax department.
These agents, who are proposed to be brought on deputation from armed forces, paramilitary and also include police personnel, will be security experts with investigating experience, technical experts and legal experts.
Officials said the idea was to ensure that the newly-created agency had manpower to pursue cases from inception to conclusion -- from surveillance, leading to arrest to conclusion of trial.
The notification for setting up DCI was issued on May 30.
The agency has been tasked with seeking and collecting information about individuals, companies and transactions suspected to be involved in criminal activities – either within the borders of the country or international – that pose a threat to national security and are punishable under direct tax laws.
Besides, the help of special agents would be required to track the use and source of funds.
DCI has been vested with powers to enter into special agreements with central and state government agencies, as also with international agencies as part of the drive to crack down on tax-related cases that have a criminal element.
The agency is being given powers to hire special prosecutors, develop witness protection programmes and coordinate with other agencies.
A notification is to be issued to equip DCI with search, seizure and survey powers as well as the authority to issue summons.
Sources said the agency will be headed by a chief commissioner rank officer who will report to the member (investigation) in the Central Board of Direct Taxes. In addition, eight directors of income tax dedicated for criminal investigation will be posted in the four metros and another four in Chandigarh, Jaipur, Ahmedabad and Lucknow.
