Odisha Vigilance secured the conviction of Chhabila Bariha, former Panchayat Executive Officer (PEO) of Purena Gram Panchayat, Baragada, in a bribery case.
Bariha was charge‑sheeted under Sections 13(2) r/w 13(1)(d) and 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 for demanding and accepting a bribe of Rs 7,000 from a beneficiary under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana‑Gramin (PMAY‑G) scheme to facilitate release of the final instalment.
On Tuesday, the Special Judge, Vigilance, Baragada sentenced him to four years rigorous imprisonment and imposed a fine of Rs 20,000. Following the verdict, Bariha was sent to jail custody to serve his sentence.
Odisha Vigilance has announced that it will move the competent authority to stop Bariha’s pension benefits in light of his conviction. Officials said the judgment reinforces the agency’s commitment to transparency and accountability in public service.
