New Delhi, Nov 23: CBI Director P C Sharma, who lays down office in a fortnight, has the satisfaction of seeing the agency increase the recovery or seizure of the black money and ill-gotten property by nearly 700 per cent from the year 2000. Sharma, who is retiring on December 06, is proud that during his tenure an effective check was kept on the menace of corruption.

"I took up the challenge of making my contribution in removing the menace of corruption...I don't think that is a great job. It is the fundamental duty of every citizen of this country," Sharma told here.

The figures available show that the CBI recovered or seized cash and property (including shares and bonds) to the tune of Rs 19.50 crores during 2001, which was almost 400 per cent more than what the agency had recovered during 2000. The figure stood at Rs 34 crores during last year and it had already crossed Rs 27 crores by October this year.

Sharma, who took over the reins of the CBI on April 30, 2001, feels that corruption was eating into the vitals of the society and launching a crusade against it was necessary.

Asked whether he should be remembered as crusader against the corrupt Sharma said, "Well, I have only done my duty as my predecessors did it."

Bureau Report