In another victory for anti-corruption efforts, Gunanidhi Behera, a retired Revenue Inspector from Petcholla Revenue Circle under the office of Tahasildar, Mahakalapada in Kendrapara district, has been convicted in a bribery case.
The Odisha Vigilance Department had charge-sheeted Behera under Sections 13(2) read with 13(1)(d) and 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, for demanding and accepting a bribe from a fire accident victim.
The case stems from an incident where Behera allegedly exploited a vulnerable individual seeking compensation for fire-related damages. According to details from the Vigilance probe, Behera demanded illegal gratification to verify the victim’s identity before the Tahasildar, a crucial step for releasing the compensation funds. This act not only delayed aid to the victim but also highlighted systemic issues in the distribution of relief to disaster-affected citizens.
The Hon’ble Special Judge, Vigilance, Cuttack, delivered the verdict today, sentencing Behera to two years of rigorous imprisonment along with a fine. The conviction underscores the judiciary’s commitment to holding public servants accountable for abusing their positions.
In the wake of the judgment, Odisha Vigilance authorities have announced plans to approach the competent authority to initiate proceedings for the stoppage of Behera’s pension.
