Baragada Ex‑PEO Sentenced to Four Years in Bribery Case
Baragada: The Special Judge, Vigilance, Baragada, has convicted former Panchayat Executive Officer (PEO) of Purena Gram Panchayat, Chhabila Bariha, in a bribery case.
Bariha was found guilty under Sections 13(2) r/w 13(1)(d) and 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988.
According to Odisha Vigilance, Bariha had demanded and accepted Rs 7,000 from a beneficiary of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana‑Gramin (PMAY‑G) scheme in exchange for releasing the final instalment.
The court sentenced him to four years’ rigorous imprisonment and imposed a fine of Rs 20,000.
Following the judgment, Bariha was taken into custody. Vigilance officials confirmed that steps will be taken to stop his pension benefits.
The conviction underscores the state’s commitment to transparency and accountability in public service.
