Phulbani: A retired assistant engineer was convicted today in a bribe case and sentenced to three-year rigorous imprisonment (RI) and a fine of Rs 5,000 by a special Vigilance court in Phulbani of Kandhamal district.

According to an official source, the former assistant engineer identified as Bhabagrahi Samantaray then working in the rural water supply and sanitation (RWSS) division in Boudh of this district was previously chargesheeted in Berhampur Vigilance PS case No-03, dated: 03.02.2019, under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Act, 2018 for demanding and accepting a bribe Rs 50,000 from a complainant for preparing the final bill of a solar drinking water project in the district, the source added.

Samantaray was convicted by the Special Vigilance Judge in Phulbani and sentenced to undergo RI for an additional period of three months, in case he fails to pay the fine for the offence.

Odisha Vigilance moved the competent authorities asking to stop the pension of Samantaray.