Maharashtra Police to get its own state-level Economic Offenses Wing
Maharashtra government is set to establish an Economic Offenses Wing (EOW) at the state level. "Considering the increasing population, growing Internet transactions, the rise in frauds in the construction, and other sectors of the economy," such a state-level agency was needed, said a government resolution (GR) issued on May 10. Some major cities like Mumbai, Pune already have their own EOWs.
New post of Additional DGP to head the EOW
The GR said that a new post of Additional Director General of Police, who will head the EOW, will be created. "The state EOW chief will be appointed by month-end as transfers of some senior IPS officers are awaited," a senior police official said. He added the Mumbai Police's EOW will continue to operate independently and will not come under the state EOW.
7,918 economic offenses registered last year in the state
As per the data provided by the state police headquarters, 7,918 economic offenses were registered in the state last year, involving a sum of Rs. 12,703.19 crore. In 2016, 7,049 offenses involving Rs. 7,571.24 crore had been registered. "The probe of such offenses often needs coordination with the Enforcement Directorate and Income Tax Department, and state EOW will make this easier," the official said.
