Kishore Chandra Kharsel, a retired Section Officer from Agalpur Tahasil in Bolangir district, has been convicted for accepting a bribe of ₹35,000 from a tractor owner.
The Special Judge, Vigilance, Bolangir sentenced him to three years of rigorous imprisonment and imposed a fine.
Kharsel demanded the bribe in exchange for waiving penalties imposed on the tractor owner for illegal sand transportation. Odisha Vigilance registered the case under Sambalpur Vigilance PS Case No.14 dated 30.03.2022, invoking Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Act, 2018.
Investigators found that Kharsel misused his position to benefit personally, undermining the integrity of public service. The conviction marks a significant win for Odisha Vigilance in its ongoing crackdown on corruption within government departments.
Following the verdict, Odisha Vigilance announced plans to approach the competent authority to stop Kharsel’s pension benefits. The move aligns with the state’s zero-tolerance stance on bribery and misconduct among public servants.
The bribery conviction sends a strong message across administrative circles in Odisha. Officials who exploit their positions for personal gain face serious consequences. Vigilance authorities continue to pursue similar cases to restore public trust in governance.
Kharsel’s sentencing highlights the importance of accountability and transparency in public administration. Odisha Vigilance remains committed to rooting out corruption and ensuring justice for citizens affected by unethical practices.
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