Bhawanipatna, April 16: A former District Labour Officer (DLO) of Nuapada district has been convicted in a bribery case by a vigilance court.

The Special Judge, Vigilance, Bhawanipatna on Wednesday convicted Sarat Kumar Panigrahi, former DLO posted at Khariar Road, and sentenced him to three years of simple imprisonment along with a fine of ₹80,000.

According to Odisha Vigilance, Panigrahi had been charge-sheeted in connection with a case registered at Koraput Vigilance Police Station on January 7, 2021, under Section 7(a) of the Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Act, 2018. He was accused of demanding and accepting a bribe of ₹40,000 from a trainer for facilitating registration of around 200 labourers.

Following the conviction, Odisha Vigilance officials said they will approach the competent authority for stoppage of pension benefits of the retired officer.

A detailed report in the case is awaited.