The Odisha Vigilance secured the conviction of two retired senior forest officers of Patnagarh Division, Balangir, in a bribery case.
The Special Judge, Vigilance, Balangir, on Monday sentenced Pranab Kumar Mohanty, Former DFO (Kendu Leaf), Patnagarh Division, and Chittaranjan Dehury, Former Deputy Range Officer, Ghasian South Range, to three years of rigorous imprisonment and a fine.
Both officers had been charge‑sheeted in Sambalpur Vigilance PS Case No.13 dated 08.06.2020 under the Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Act, 2018 for demanding and accepting a Rs 1.66 lakh bribe from a Range Officer for release of funds towards repair and maintenance of Kendu Leaf godowns.
Following the conviction, Vigilance officials confirmed they will move the competent authority to stop pension benefits of the convicted officers.
