Patna Special Court Delivers Verdict in 35-Year-Old Bribery Case
A special court of the Vigilance Investigation Bureau (VIB) in Patna has convicted a junior engineer from a power distribution company in a bribery case that dates back 35 years. The court found the accused guilty of accepting Rs300 to facilitate an electricity connection.
Sentencing and Legal Proceedings
The court sentenced the accused, Sudama Rai, a junior electrical engineer posted at the electrical sub-division in Nawada, to one year of rigorous imprisonment. Additionally, a fine of Rs20,000 was imposed. The sentence was officially pronounced on February 23, with VIB officials confirming the details on Wednesday.
According to the prosecution, Rai had demanded Rs500 from Vijay Mistri, a resident of Gunawa village under the Nawada police station area. The bribe was requested for providing an electricity connection for a machine. Acting on Mistri's complaint, the vigilance department set up a trap and arrested Rai on August 14, 1991, while he was in the act of accepting Rs300 as part of the bribe.
Court Conviction and Legal Representation
The special vigilance court, presided over by Judge Md Rustom, convicted Rai based on the evidence presented. The case was initially investigated by DSP (electrical wing) Amarnath Khanna from Patna, who filed the chargesheet. Special public prosecutor Krishna Murari Prasad represented the Bihar government during the trial.
The court's verdict included one year of rigorous imprisonment and a fine of Rs10,000. In the event of non-payment of the fine, Rai will be required to undergo one month of simple imprisonment. Both sentences are set to run concurrently, ensuring the legal penalties are enforced as per the court's ruling.
This case highlights the long-standing efforts of the vigilance department to combat corruption, even in instances that span decades. The conviction serves as a reminder of the legal consequences for bribery and misconduct in public service roles.
