Bribery / Odisha Vigilance Convicts Two Retired Forest Officers in Bribery Case

Balangir, Aug 10: Odisha Vigilance has secured the conviction of two retired senior forest officers from Patnagarh Division, Balangir, in a bribery case.

On August 10, the Special Judge, Vigilance, Balangir, sentenced 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, to three years of rigorous imprisonment and fines.

The duo had been charge-sheeted in Sambalpur Vigilance PS Case No.13 dated June 8, 2020, under Sections 7/12 of the Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Act, 2018, for demanding and accepting a bribe of ₹1.66 lakh from a Range Officer for releasing funds towards repair and maintenance of Kendu Leaf godowns.

Also read: Brown Sugar Worth ₹27 Lakh Seized in Bhubaneswar

Following their conviction, Vigilance will move the competent authority to stop their pensions.

This conviction underscores Odisha Vigilance’s continued efforts to curb corruption and ensure accountability among public servants, even after retirement.

Meanwhile, in Bhubaneswar, the Special Crime Unit conducted surprise raids on shops near educational institutions to crack down on illegal sale of intoxicants.

The operation, led by Additional DCP Swaraj Debata, was carried out in the Infocity police station area with the support of the dog squad. Authorities have warned that strict action will be taken against anyone found selling intoxicants near schools and colleges.

The raids are part of a broader campaign to protect students from exposure to narcotics and ensure safe learning environments. Police have reiterated their zero-tolerance stance on illegal sales near educational hubs.