Bhubaneswar, 10 August (H.S.): In a significant anti-corruption development, Odisha Vigilance has secured the conviction of two retired forest officials of the Patnagarh Forest Division in a bribery case.

The Special Judge, Vigilance, Balangir on August 10, 2026, convicted Pranab Kumar Mohanty, former Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), Kendu Leaf, Patnagarh Division, and Chittaranjan Dehury, former Deputy Range Officer, Kendu Leaf, Ghasian South Range, Patnagarh, both now retired.

The duo had been charge-sheeted by Odisha Vigilance in connection with Sambalpur Vigilance Police Station Case No. 13 dated June 8, 2020, under Sections 7 and 12 of the Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Act, 2018. They were found guilty of demanding and accepting a bribe of ₹1.66 lakh from a Range Officer for facilitating the release of funds meant for repair and maintenance of Kendu leaf phadies (godowns).

The court sentenced both convicts to undergo rigorous imprisonment for three years and imposed a fine on each.

Following the conviction, Odisha Vigilance said it will move the competent authority to initiate proceedings for the stoppage of pension benefits of both retired officials in accordance with applicable rules.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda