Ensure swift probe, strict action in cases of economic offences: Yogi

Lucknow: Chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday directed the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) to intensify action against financial crimes and ensure that investigations are effective and result-oriented.Reviewing the functioning and progress of the Economic Offences Wing, the CM emphasised the need for timely investigations, effective prosecution and higher conviction rates in cases related to financial fraud, embezzlement, forgery and similar offences.Yogi examined the status of pending inquiries, investigations, arrests, prosecution efforts, public awareness initiatives and organisational reforms undertaken by EOW.“Economic crimes not only cause financial losses to govt institutions but also undermine public trust in governance and financial systems. Officials must ensure strict and time-bound action against those involved in such offences,” he said.Highlighting the importance of strong prosecution, Yogi directed officials to ensure that cases with sufficient evidence were expedited through the judicial process.He stressed the need for quality investigation, robust collection of evidence and effective legal representation to secure convictions in a larger number of cases.Reviewing important cases, he instructed officials to maintain regular monitoring and ensure that offenders are brought to justice in accordance with the law.Officials informed the CM about the development of a case management system designed to improve the management of investigations and follow-up proceedings. The digital platform provides facilities for online reporting, real-time monitoring, digital case management and dashboard-based supervision.Yogi directed officials to ensure its effective use, stating that technology-driven systems would improve transparency, accountability and the overall quality of investigations.He said that no investigating officer should retain a case for more than three months without adequate progress and accountability should be fixed in such instances.Emphasising the importance of prevention through awareness, the CM said that with the rapid evolution of technology, citizens should be educated about financial frauds, investment scams and other forms of economic crime.Officials informed Yogi that EOW was running an awareness campaign, ‘Awareness, Information and Protection’, to educate people about methods to avoid becoming victims of economic offences.The CM instructed that the campaign should be expanded further to cover a larger population.The meeting also discussed proposals related to capacity building, specialised training for officers and investigators, adoption of modern investigative technologies and expansion of the organisation.“Financial crimes are becoming increasingly sophisticated and complex, making it essential for investigating agencies to be equipped with modern resources, technological expertise and efficient operational systems,” the CM said.He said strengthening investigative capabilities would play a crucial role in effectively curbing economic offences and safeguarding public interests.Officials said that special efforts were being made to clear pending cases. Between Jan 1 and May 31, 2026, EOW disposed of 155 inquiries, investigations and follow-up proceedings. During the same period, 71 accused people were arrested. The CM instructed officials to accelerate the disposal of old cases and take effective action against wanted accused people.