Former PEO Gets 3-Year Jail Term in Bribery Case

Dhenkanal: The Special Judge, Vigilance, Dhenkanal has convicted former Panchayat Extension Officer (PEO) Trinath Sethy in a bribery case and sentenced him to three years of rigorous imprisonment along with a fine.

Sethy, who served as PEO of Asarada Gram Panchayat under Hindol Block and Barada Gram Panchayat under Sadar Block in Dhenkanal district, was found guilty of demanding and accepting a bribe of ₹10,000 from a beneficiary. The bribe was taken for submitting a verification report for houses constructed under the Biju Pucca Ghara Yojana.

The Odisha Vigilance had charge-sheeted Sethy under Sections 13(2) read with 13(1)(d) and 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988. Following his conviction, the Odisha Vigilance will move the competent authority for his dismissal from government service.

The judgment highlights the continued action against corruption in the implementation of welfare schemes.