Bhubaneswar, 31 August (H.S.): In a significant anti-corruption development, the Odisha Vigilance has secured the conviction of Kartikeswar Sahu, former Soil Conservation Officer, Purunakatak in Boudh district, in a disproportionate assets (DA) case.

Sahu, who has since retired, was charge-sheeted by the Odisha Vigilance under Section 13(2) read with Section 13(1)(e) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, for allegedly possessing assets disproportionate to his known sources of income.

On August 31, 2026, the Special Judge, Vigilance, Phulbani, convicted Sahu in the case and sentenced him to one year of rigorous imprisonment. The court also imposed a fine of ₹50,000 on him.

Following his conviction, the Odisha Vigilance said it will move the competent authority for stoppage of Sahu’s pension, in accordance with the applicable rules.

The conviction is another significant outcome of the Odisha Vigilance's ongoing efforts to prosecute public servants accused of corruption and possession of disproportionate assets.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda