Bolangir, Odisha : In a major success for Odisha Vigilance, the Special Judge (Vigilance), Bolangir, convicted Sri Kishore Chandra Kharsel, former Section Officer of Agalpur Tahasil, for accepting a ₹35,000 bribe from a tractor owner in 2022.
Kharsel, who retired from service, had demanded money from the complainant to waive the entire penalty imposed for illegal sand transportation and stockpiling. Acting on credible information, Odisha Vigilance officials caught him red-handed, leading to his arrest and charge-sheet under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Act, 2018.
After a detailed trial, the court sentenced him to three years of rigorous imprisonment and imposed a fine. The verdict highlights Odisha Vigilance’s ongoing crackdown on corruption within government departments.
Following the conviction, Vigilance authorities confirmed they will recommend the suspension of Kharsel’s pension to the competent authority, as per existing service rules.
The case, registered as Sambalpur Vigilance PS Case No.14 dated March 30, 2022, underlines the state’s zero-tolerance approach toward bribery and misuse of public office.
