Bhubaneswar, 18 April (H.S.) : In a major anti-corruption action, Odisha Vigilance has secured the conviction of Gourahari Patra, a retired Dealing Assistant-cum-Despatch Clerk from the office of the Superintending Engineer (SE), Irrigation Circle, Baripada, in Mayurbhanj district.

Patra, who was chargesheeted under provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, along with relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code, was found guilty of misappropriating government funds. The case involved embezzlement of money meant for deposit in banks towards fresh and renewal license fees of contractors by allegedly preparing forged official records.

The Special Judge Vigilance Baripada on Friday convicted Patra and sentenced him to three years of rigorous imprisonment along with a monetary fine.

Following the conviction, Odisha Vigilance officials stated that they will move the competent authority to initiate proceedings for the stoppage of pension benefits of the retired official.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda