The Special Vigilance Court in Brahmapur has convicted Mahadev Biswal, the former Secretary of Benapata Service Co-operative Society (SCS) in Ganjam district, in a long-pending financial fraud case.
Biswal, who has since retired from service, was charged by Odisha Vigilance for systematic misappropriation of government funds between 1999 and 2003. According to investigation records, Biswal manipulated official cash registers at the Benapata Co-operative Society during his tenure to siphon off public funds.
Following a detailed investigation, Odisha Vigilance charge-sheeted him under Sections 13(2) read with 13(1)(c)(d) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, along with Sections 409 (Criminal Breach of Trust), 467 (Forgery), 468 (Forgery for Purpose of Cheating), and 477-A (Falsification of Accounts) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
On Friday, the Special Judge, Vigilance, Brahmapur, found Biswal guilty on the charges and sentenced him to undergo simple imprisonment for one year, alongside a monetary fine.
In the wake of the verdict, Odisha Vigilance announced that it will immediately approach the competent authorities to initiate proceedings for the complete stoppage of Biswal’s retirement pension, reinforcing the state’s zero-tolerance policy against administrative graft.
The landmark ruling serves as a strong reminder that retirement offers no immunity from financial malpractices committed during public service.
