Former Panchayat Secretary Sentenced To 2-Yr RI For Corruption In Odisha’s Boudh

Berhampur: The Court of Special Judge, Vigilance, Phulbani on Thursday convicted a former panchayat secretary in Boudh district in a corruption case and sentenced him to rigorous imprisonment for two years.

Berhampur Vigilance had filed a case in the court against Gokula Chandra Barik, former secretary, Mundapada panchayat under Boudh block for misappropriation of government rice worth Rs 11,65,620 which was entrusted to him for utilisation in developmental works in the panchayat.

Gokula Chandra Barik, Ex-Secretary (retired), Mundapada GP under Boudh Block, Dist-Boudh was facing trial in the Court of Special Judge, Vigilance, Phulbani in Berhampur Vigilance P.S. Case No.2 dated 16.01.2009 U/s 13(2) r/w
13(1)(c) of 7 Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988/409/467/177-A IPC for misappropriation of Govt. rice worth Rs.11,65,620/- which was entrusted to him for utilization in developmental works of Mundapada GP.

After hearing the case, the special court convicted Barik and sentenced him to undergo rigorous imprisonment for a period of 2 years and pay fine of Rs 20,000. In default of payment of fine, he has to undergo further rigorous imprisonment for 4 months for the offence under Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 punishable under section 13 (2) PC Act.

The court further sentenced him to undergo rigorous imprisonment for 2 years and pay fine of Rs 20,000 and in default of payment of fine, to undergo further rigorous imprisonment for 4 months for the offence under section 409 IPC. Both the sentences will run concurrently.

Dola Govinda Parida, former Inspector, Vigilance, Berhampur Division investigated the case and VV Ramdas, special public prosecutor, Vigilance, Phulbani conducted the case on behalf of the prosecution.