A court in Patna has delivered a significant verdict in a high-profile corruption case, sending a clear message against graft in public works. The Special Vigilance Court on Monday sentenced a former executive engineer of the Road Construction Department (RCD) and a cashier to rigorous imprisonment for their roles in a bribery scandal linked to a multi-crore road project.
The Court's Verdict and Punishment
The former executive engineer, Suresh Prasad Singh, and the cashier, Shashi Bhushan Kumar, were each sentenced to four years of imprisonment. In addition to the jail terms, the court imposed substantial financial penalties. Singh was ordered to pay a fine of Rs 5 lakh, while Kumar was slapped with a fine of Rs 3 lakh. The cashier was convicted under two different sections of the law, but his sentences will run concurrently, meaning he will serve the four-year term.
Details of the Bribery Scandal
The case has its roots in 2019 and revolves around a massive road construction project valued at Rs 40 crore. According to the prosecution, the company that was awarded the contract came forward with a complaint. They alleged that the engineer, Suresh Prasad Singh, had demanded a bribe amounting to 1% of the project's total cost. Following negotiations between the parties, the final bribe amount was reportedly settled at Rs 32 lakh.
The prosecution built a strong case, presenting a total of 13 witnesses whose testimonies were crucial in establishing the guilt of the accused. The court found the evidence presented against both Singh and Kumar to be compelling and convincing, leading to their conviction.
Implications of the Judgment
This ruling underscores the judiciary's ongoing efforts to combat corruption within government departments, particularly in sectors involving large public contracts like infrastructure development. The sentencing of a technical expert like an executive engineer and an accomplice highlights that the law pursues all links in the chain of corruption. For the common citizen, such verdicts are a step towards accountability and the promise of cleaner governance in public projects funded by taxpayer money. The case serves as a stern warning to other public officials who might consider exploiting their positions for personal gain.
