Former Kadapa Health Official Sentenced to 7 Years in Landmark Bribery Conviction
In a significant verdict underscoring the fight against corruption, the Kurnool Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) court has delivered a stern judgment, sentencing Dr Madabhushi Sesha Padmaja, the former district coordinator of health services (DCHS) for Kadapa, to seven years of rigorous imprisonment. The court also imposed a substantial fine of Rs 2 lakh and ordered the convict to pay Rs 1 lakh as compensation to the complainant, from whom she illicitly demanded a bribe for approving an annual increment.
Historic Verdict Under Amended Anti-Corruption Law
The magistrate pronounced the verdict on Friday, convicting the accused after the court found her guilty beyond reasonable doubt. This case marks a historic milestone as it represents the first judgment delivered in Andhra Pradesh concerning corruption cases following the crucial amendments to the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, which were enacted in 2018 to strengthen legal provisions against graft.
Notably, Dr Padmaja had retired from service approximately five years ago after reaching the age of superannuation, yet the long arm of the law has now caught up with her past misconduct, demonstrating that accountability extends beyond active service.
Details of the Bribery Scandal and Investigation
According to official details, the case originated from a formal complaint filed by Sathe Radhika, who was employed as a junior assistant at the Kadapa DCHS office. She alleged that the accused demanded a bribe of Rs 5,000 from her in exchange for sanctioning her legitimate annual increment, a clear abuse of power for personal gain.
Acting swiftly on the complaint, Kadapa ACB officials registered a case and executed a meticulous operation. On August 27, 2019, they successfully caught the accused red-handed while she was in the act of demanding and accepting the bribe amount from the complainant. Following this, the officials promptly arrested Dr Padmaja, ensuring she faced legal proceedings.
Legal Proceedings and Chargesheet
The investigation was spearheaded by the then ACB DSP Nagabhushanam and CI P Srinivasa Reddy, who meticulously gathered evidence and built a strong case. Their efforts culminated in the filing of a detailed chargesheet in the ACB court in 2022, setting the stage for the judicial process.
The trial for this corruption case commenced in 2023, with the court examining all aspects thoroughly before arriving at the conclusive verdict. The sentencing not only serves as a punishment for the convict but also sends a powerful message about the consequences of corrupt practices in public service.
This landmark judgment is expected to bolster anti-corruption efforts in Andhra Pradesh, reinforcing the legal framework and deterring similar offenses in the future.
