In a major crackdown on corruption in the education sector, the Hon’ble Special Judge, Vigilance, Cuttack, has convicted Sri Himansu Behera, former In-Charge Headmaster of Krupasindhu High School, Gopinathpur, Dist-Cuttack, for bribery.
Behera, now retired, was sentenced to four years of rigorous imprisonment and fined after being charge-sheeted by Odisha Vigilance under Sections 13(2) read with 13(1)(d)/7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988.
The case pertained to Behera’s demand and acceptance of a bribe in return for allowing a complainant to sign the attendance register and facilitating the submission of the salary bill to the treasury. The verdict marks a stern message against unethical practices in public institutions.
Following his conviction, Behera has been taken into judicial custody. Odisha Vigilance has also announced its plan to recommend the stoppage of Behera’s pension benefits to the competent authority.