Retired Clerk Sentenced to Two Years’ RI in Cement Misappropriation Case

Bhubaneswar: A Special Vigilance Court in Sambalpur has sentenced a retired Senior Clerk of Kolabira Block in Jharsuguda district to two years of rigorous imprisonment and imposed a fine for misappropriation of government property.

The convict, Benudhar Gardia, was found guilty of misappropriating 407 bags of Konark Cement, causing a financial loss to the government. The court held him guilty under Section 13(2) read with Section 13(1)(c) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, and Section 409 of the Indian Penal Code.

The case was investigated by Odisha Vigilance, which had earlier charge-sheeted Gardia following an inquiry into the alleged diversion of cement meant for official use.

Following the conviction, Odisha Vigilance officials said they would move the competent authority to stop the pension of the retired clerk, as per rules applicable in corruption cases.

The verdict underscores the Vigilance department’s continued crackdown on corruption and misuse of public resources, even after the retirement of government employees.