A special court for Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) cases in Visakhapatnam has delivered a significant verdict, convicting a former senior manager of the Steel Authority of India Ltd (SAIL) in a long-standing disproportionate assets case. The court handed down a sentence of imprisonment and a substantial fine.
Court Delivers Verdict and Sentence
The principal special judge for CBI cases, C.N. Murthy, found Ragam Kishore guilty on Tuesday. Kishore, who previously served as the regional manager for transport and shipping at SAIL's Visakhapatnam unit, was convicted under the relevant sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988. At the time the CBI filed its chargesheet, he had already resigned from his position as an assistant general manager at SAIL in Kolkata.
The judge sentenced Kishore to undergo three years of simple imprisonment. In addition to the jail term, he was ordered to pay a fine of Rs 1 lakh. The court proceedings revealed the extent of the illicit wealth accumulated by the accused during his tenure as a public servant.
Details of the Disproportionate Wealth
The case against Kishore centered on assets he acquired that were far beyond his legitimate earnings. The CBI's investigation covered a check period spanning from January 1988 to April 1, 2000. During this time, Kishore held various positions within SAIL.
It was alleged that he was in possession of movable and immovable properties registered in his name and in the names of his family members. The total value of these assets, which he could not satisfactorily explain or justify through his known sources of income, was calculated at Rs 60,25,825. This massive sum represented wealth disproportionate to his official salary and earnings.
Confiscation of Properties Ordered
Following the conviction, the court also addressed the matter of the illegally acquired assets. In an attachment petition filed by the CBI, the judge issued a crucial order for the recovery of the corrupt gains.
Judge C.N. Murthy directed the CBI to initiate appropriate proceedings for the confiscation of properties. The confiscation is to be made under Section 13 of the Criminal Law Amendment Ordinance of 1944. The order specifies the confiscation of assets equivalent to the disproportionate amount of Rs 43,56,300, ensuring that the convicted individual does not retain the benefits of his corruption.
This verdict underscores the judiciary's ongoing efforts to hold public servants accountable for corruption and the amassment of unexplained wealth. The case, investigated by the CBI, highlights the legal consequences for officials who abuse their positions for personal enrichment.
