In a significant verdict highlighting the long arm of the law, a 73-year-old retired Village Administrative Officer (VAO) has been sentenced to two years of rigorous imprisonment for a bribery case dating back to 2007. The conviction serves as a stern reminder that corruption, even from decades past, carries severe consequences.
The Trap That Led to the Arrest
The case revolves around S Ahamed Sulaiman, who was serving as the VAO of Navalpattu village and was also in-charge of Gundur village in Trichy taluk nearly eighteen years ago. The incident unfolded on November 1, 2007, when a local welder, G Sathishkumar, approached Sulaiman, then about 55 years old. Sathishkumar needed an official patta transfer order for a house site located in Gundur.
Instead of processing the request, Sulaiman allegedly demanded a bribe of ₹2,000 to issue the necessary document. Unwilling to succumb to the illegal demand, Sathishkumar took a bold step and filed a formal complaint with the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) in Trichy.
Conviction Under the Prevention of Corruption Act
Acting swiftly on the complaint, DVAC officials laid a trap. The very next day, on November 2, 2007, Sulaiman was caught red-handed by vigilance officers at the moment he accepted the marked currency notes. He was immediately placed under arrest, setting in motion a legal process that would span over a decade and a half.
The trial was conducted at the Special Court for Prevention of Corruption Act cases in Trichy. After examining the evidence, Special Judge V Puviyarasu delivered the judgment on December 19. The court found Sulaiman guilty under two critical sections of the anti-graft law.
The judge convicted him under:
- Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, which pertains to public servants taking gratification other than legal remuneration.
- Section 13(2) read with 13(1)(d), which deals with criminal misconduct by a public servant.
Sentence and Lasting Implications
For each of the offences, the court imposed a sentence of two years of imprisonment along with a fine of ₹1,000. The sentences are to run concurrently. This ruling underscores a crucial principle: accountability for corruption does not diminish with time or retirement.
The case, though originating from a relatively small bribe amount, reflects the persistent efforts of anti-corruption agencies in Tamil Nadu. It sends a powerful message to public servants about the serious repercussions of abusing their position for personal gain, regardless of how many years have passed since the crime was committed.
