Nuapada: In a significant anti-corruption development, former District Labour Officer (DLO) of Nuapada, Sarat Kumar Panigrahi, has been convicted in a bribery case and sentenced to three years of simple imprisonment by a Vigilance court.

Special Vigilance Court awards 3-year jail term and Rs 80,000 fine

The Special Judge, Vigilance, Bhawanipatna, on Thursday convicted Panigrahi in connection with a corruption case registered by Odisha Vigilance. The court also imposed a fine of Rs 80,000 on him.

Convict had demanded bribe for labour registration

According to Vigilance officials, Panigrahi had demanded and accepted a bribe of Rs 40,000 from a trainer to facilitate the registration of around 200 labourers. The case was registered under the Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Act, 2018.

Case background

The case dates back to January 7, 2021, when Odisha Vigilance registered a case against the then serving officer. Following investigation, a charge sheet was filed, leading to the trial and subsequent conviction.

Vigilance to seek stoppage of pension benefits

Following the conviction, Odisha Vigilance has announced that it will move the competent authority to initiate proceedings for the stoppage of Panigrahi’s pension benefits.

The conviction underscores continued efforts by anti-corruption agencies to hold public officials accountable for misuse of power.