Bhubaneswar, July 14: The Odisha Vigilance has secured the conviction of a retired Junior Engineer in a disproportionate assets (DA) case.

Ashok Kumar Padhy, former Junior Engineer (JE) in the Office of the Assistant Soil Conservation Officer (ASCO), Gunupur, Rayagada district, was convicted on Tuesday by the Court of the Special Vigilance Judge, Brahmapur.

Padhy had been charge-sheeted by Odisha Vigilance under Section 13(2) read with Section 13(1)(e) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, for possessing assets disproportionate to his known sources of income.

Following the trial, the Special Judge found him guilty and sentenced him to three years of simple imprisonment. The court also imposed a fine of Rs. 1,00,000. In the event of non-payment of the fine, the court's applicable provisions will take effect.

In the wake of the conviction, Odisha Vigilance stated that it will approach the competent authority to initiate proceedings for the stoppage of Padhy's pensionary benefits, as he is a retired government employee.