Bhubaneswar/Keonjhar, Odisha : Odisha Vigilance on Friday secured two major convictions in separate bribery and corruption cases, tightening its anti-graft drive across the state. The verdicts came from vigilance courts in Bhubaneswar and Keonjhar on the same day, underscoring the agency’s determination to hold erring officials accountable.
In Bhubaneswar, the Special Judge, Vigilance sentenced Sri Kushal Chandra Chatterjee, former Junior Town Planner in the Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA), to three years of rigorous imprisonment and a fine. Vigilance officers had earlier charge-sheeted Chatterjee under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988. Investigators proved that he demanded and accepted a bribe from a complainant in return for approving a residential building plan. The court’s ruling, officials said, sends a stern warning to those in urban planning offices who misuse their positions.
On the same day, the Special Judge, Vigilance, Keonjhar sentenced Sri Gourahari Sahu, former Assistant Engineer of Champua Block in Keonjhar district (Retired), to two years of rigorous imprisonment and a fine. Odisha Vigilance had booked him under provisions of the PC Act, 1988 and the Indian Penal Code. Investigators established that Sahu misappropriated government funds during a road improvement project under the MGNREGS scheme. Following the conviction, Vigilance will approach the competent authority to stop his pension benefits in line with service rules.
Senior officials noted that securing two convictions on a single day strengthens the agency’s image as a watchdog of transparency. They added that such verdicts not only punish wrongdoing but also act as a deterrent to others who might consider abusing their office. Citizens and civil society groups welcomed the judgments, saying they demonstrate the state’s seriousness in curbing corruption.
With these convictions, Odisha Vigilance reaffirmed its zero-tolerance approach and its resolve to pursue cases against both serving and retired officials. The agency continues to focus on rooting out corruption at different levels of governance to restore public faith in institutions.
Also Read : Odisha Vigilance nabs Mahu Co-op Secretary for bribe
