A Special Vigilance Court has convicted Suresh Chandra Rath, the retired Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF) of Puri, in a high-profile disproportionate assets case. The Additional Special Judge sentenced the former officer to three years of rigorous imprisonment.
The court also imposed a fine of ₹1 lakh on Rath. In a significant move to ensure accountability, the judge directed the Vigilance Department to petition the relevant authorities to halt the convict’s pension and allowances.
The case dates back to Rath’s tenure, during which Vigilance raids uncovered assets significantly exceeding his legal sources of income. This verdict serves as a stern warning against corruption within the state’s administrative ranks.
While Rath has been taken into custody to serve his sentence, the ruling has been welcomed by anti-corruption activists as a victory for transparency in public service.