The Special Vigilance Judge of Baripada on Friday convicted former block chairman Pradhan Hembram of Suliapada block in Mayurbhanj district for demanding and accepting bribe.
The Judge awarded rigorous imprisonment (RI) of one year and a fine of Rs3,000 to Hembram. He was also sentenced to one year of RI and a fine of Rs3,000. He would spend one month more in jail for each count if he fails to pay the fine amounts. Both the sentences would run concurrently.
In 2004, Hembram had demanded bribe of Rs6,000 from junior engineer Baidhardesh Pradhan of Kanimahuli village to pass a bill amounting to Rs 71,700 of the latter, who had executed a construction work.
After repeated requests by the junior engineer, Hembram reduced the bribe money to Rs3,000. Pradhan later reported the matter to Vigilance, following which a trap was laid and Hembram was caught red-handed.