In a significant development in the fight against corruption, Dr. Patita Paban Barik, formerly the Medical Officer In-Charge at Community Health Centre (CHC) Gurundia, Sundargarh district, and currently at CHC Gurandi, Gajapati district, was convicted today by the Special Judge, Vigilance, Sundargarh.
The conviction stems from charges filed by Odisha Vigilance under Sections 13(2) read with 13(1)(d) and Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, for demanding and accepting a bribe of Rs. 10,000 from a vehicle owner. The bribe was allegedly taken to sign a logbook, facilitating the preparation of hire charges for a vehicle engaged by the complainant.
The court sentenced Dr. Barik to five years of rigorous imprisonment along with a fine. Following the verdict, he was immediately taken into jail custody to serve his sentence.
Odisha Vigilance has announced plans to approach the competent authority to seek Dr. Barik’s dismissal from service, citing his conviction as grounds for termination.
