Berhampur, Sep 23: A special vigilance court in Berhampur sentenced retired Forest Ranger Kishore Kumar Nayak to four years of rigorous imprisonment for accepting a bribe of Rs 30,000 from a carpenter nearly nine years ago. The court also imposed a fine of Rs 20,000 on Nayak, officials said on Tuesday.

Bribe to Avoid Legal Action

The case dates back to a timber seizure from a carpenter’s workshop at Digapahandi in Odisha's Ganjam district. Nayak, then serving as Forest Range Officer, allegedly demanded the bribe to avoid registering a case against the carpenter.

“Kishore Kumar Nayak, former Forest Range Officer, Digapahandi, Ganjam district, who was charge-sheeted by Odisha Vigilance under Sections 13(2) read with 13(1)(d)/7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, for demanding and accepting a bribe of Rs. 30,000 from a complainant to avoid legal action for timber seizure from his house, was convicted by the Special Judge, Vigilance, Berhampur, and sentenced to rigorous imprisonment for four years along with a fine,” the Vigilance department said in a statement.

Judicial Accountability

Judge Gyanendra Kumar Barik presided over the case and delivered the judgment, reinforcing the state’s commitment to rooting out corruption in public service. The conviction is seen as a strong message to government officials misusing their authority for personal gain.

Vigilance Action Applauded

The Odisha Vigilance Department’s sustained investigation and legal follow-through have been praised by anti-corruption advocates. The case highlights the importance of institutional vigilance and judicial resolve in ensuring accountability, even years after the offense.

As Odisha continues its crackdown on corruption, this conviction adds to a growing list of officials held accountable for unethical conduct.