Retired Despatcher Convicted for Misappropriating Government Funds in Baripada

Bhubaneswar: A retired Junior Grade Despatcher from the office of the Superintending Engineer, Irrigation Circle, Baripada, has been convicted by the Special Judge, Vigilance, Baripada, for misappropriating government funds through forged documents.

The convict, Gourahari Patra, was found guilty of preparing fake treasury challans and forging rubber seals of bank officials to unlawfully divert government money. After examining the evidence, the court awarded him three years of rigorous imprisonment along with a fine of ₹20,000.

Following the conviction, Odisha Vigilance has announced that proceedings will be initiated to halt Patra’s pension benefits as per rules.