Bhubaneswar, 18 August (H.S.): In a significant development in its anti-corruption drive, the Odisha Vigilance has secured the conviction of a former Junior Engineer (JE) of Odagaon Block in Nayagarh district in a bribery case.

Chita Ranjana Parida, former JE of Odagaon Block, who has since retired, was convicted on Tuesday by the Additional Special Judge, Vigilance, Bhubaneswar in connection with a bribery case registered under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988.

According to the Odisha Vigilance, Parida had been charge-sheeted 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 ₹50,000 from a contractor.

The bribe was allegedly sought for clearing the contractor’s final bill relating to the construction of a cement concrete (CC) road executed under the block.

Following the trial, the Vigilance court found Parida guilty and sentenced him to three years of rigorous imprisonment, besides imposing a fine.

Following the conviction, the Odisha Vigilance said it will move the competent authority seeking stoppage of pension of Chita Ranjana Parida in accordance with the applicable rules.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda