Dhenkanal, July 9(OT Webdesk): In a strong message against corruption in public service, the Special Judge (Vigilance), Dhenkanal, on Wednesday sentenced Bhagirathi Sahoo, a retired Senior Clerk-cum-In-Charge Head Clerk of the Gondia Block B.D.O. office, to three years of rigorous imprisonment for demanding and accepting a bribe.
The conviction stems from a 2018 case registered by Odisha Vigilance (Case No.10 dated 24.03.2018), where Sahoo was found guilty of soliciting a bribe from a retired employee in exchange for processing pension documents.
The charges were framed under Sections 13(2) read with 13(1)(d) and Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988.
In addition to the prison sentence, a monetary fine was imposed. Following the verdict, Odisha Vigilance has stated its intention to recommend the cessation of Sahoo’s pension benefits, signalling firm administrative consequences post-retirement.
This development reinforces the state government’s continued push for integrity and transparency in administrative processes.
