SSB Senior Accountant Sentenced to 5 Years in Prison for Bribery in Lucknow
A special Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) court in Lucknow delivered a significant verdict on Wednesday, convicting and sentencing a senior accountant of the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) to five years of rigorous imprisonment. The court also imposed a substantial fine of Rs 1 lakh on the convicted official, Ram Nibas Verma, who was posted at the Zonal Pay and Accounts Office of the SSB in Aliganj, Lucknow.
Details of the Bribery Case and Investigation
The CBI officially registered this corruption case on July 2, 2018, after receiving a written complaint from a Constable (General Duty) serving in the 3rd Battalion of the SSB stationed in Lakhimpur Kheri. This complaint was initially forwarded to the CBI by the Chief Vigilance Officer at the SSB Headquarters in New Delhi, highlighting the internal vigilance mechanisms within the paramilitary force.
According to the prosecution's case presented in court, Ram Nibas Verma allegedly demanded illegal gratification amounting to Rs 4,000 from the complainant constable. This bribe was solicited specifically for processing and clearing various bills and allowances that were rightfully due to the constable from the 3rd Battalion of the SSB.
Legal Proceedings and Court Findings
Following a meticulous and comprehensive investigation into the allegations, the CBI filed its detailed chargesheet against the accused accountant on August 31, 2018. The trial court subsequently framed formal charges against Verma on May 24, 2019, setting the stage for the judicial proceedings that would unfold over the following years.
During the extensive trial, the court carefully examined all available evidence and listened to multiple witness testimonies presented by both the prosecution and defense. After thorough deliberation and consideration of all factual and legal aspects of the case, the special CBI court ultimately found Ram Nibas Verma guilty of all charges leveled against him.
The court's decision to impose a five-year prison sentence along with a financial penalty of Rs 1 lakh sends a strong message about the serious consequences of corruption within government institutions. This verdict underscores the judiciary's commitment to addressing graft cases involving public officials, particularly those in positions of financial responsibility within security forces like the SSB.
