Peeved at the conduct of Crime Branch officials in the fake stamp paper scam, graft cases and other irregularities this year, its chief has decided to set up an independent intelligence-gathering machinery within the department.

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"It has been decided to set up a group of five persons for vigilance," Joint Commissioner of Police Dr Satya Pal Singh told newspersons in Mumbai on Tuesday even as he maintained silence on its responsibilities. "It is a purely an intra-departmental job," he added.

Sources said the plan was conceived after Singh allegedly started receiving complaints of high-handedness against his men. So busy are officials with their assignments that it was difficult for them to keep a watch on the activities of their own men.

With the reputation of the Crime Branch, which has a glorious past, at stake, Singh decided to step in and take corrective steps.