Odisha Vigilance secured the conviction of Sarat Kumar Panigrahi, former District Labour Officer (DLO) of Nuapada at Khariar Road, in a bribery case.
On April 16, 2026, the Special Judge, Vigilance, Bhawanipatna, sentenced him to three years of simple imprisonment and imposed a fine of ₹80,000.
Panigrahi, who retired from service, faced charges under Koraput Vigilance PS Case No.3 dated January 7, 2021. Investigators proved that he demanded and accepted Rs 40,000 from a trainer for registering 200 labourers. The case was filed under Section 7(a) of the Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Act, 2018.
The court’s verdict marked a significant step in Odisha Vigilance’s ongoing efforts to curb corruption in government offices. Officials confirmed that the agency will now move the competent authority to stop Panigrahi’s pension following his conviction.
The investigation revealed that Panigrahi exploited his position to demand illegal gratification, undermining trust in labour administration. Vigilance officers gathered evidence and presented a strong case, leading to his conviction.
