Sundargarh RI Bribery Conviction: Odisha Vigilance Secures 3-Year Jail Term

In a landmark judgment against corruption in Odisha’s revenue administration, the Special Judge, Vigilance, Sundargarh, has convicted Manasi Sahoo, former Revenue Inspector (RI) of Malidihi RI Circle under Rajgangpur Tahasil.

Sahoo was found guilty under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Act, 2018, for demanding and accepting a bribe of Rs 8,000 from a land buyer.

The bribe was taken in exchange for submitting a favourable enquiry report in mutation cases, enabling the issuance of Records of Rights (RORs).

The court sentenced her to three years of rigorous imprisonment along with a fine. Following the conviction, Odisha Vigilance announced that it will approach the competent authority to initiate her dismissal from government service.

This case underscores the Vigilance Directorate’s commitment to rooting out corruption in public service, particularly in land-related matters where graft is often rampant.

The conviction is being hailed as a significant milestone in strengthening accountability and transparency in Odisha’s governance framework.