Sundargarh: Ex-Forest Range Officer Sentenced to 1 Yr Rigorous Imprisonment for Preparing False Documents in Forest Case

Bhubaneswar: A retired forest range officer in Sundargarh district has been sentenced to one year rigorous imprisonment for allegedly preparing false documents and using it by initiating a new forest case to save the co-accused (now dead) from Vigilance trap case.

Ashok Kumar Tripathy, Ex-Forest Range Officer (Retired), Bisra Range, Dist-Sundargarh, who was charge sheeted by Odisha Vigilance vide Special Judge Vigilance, Sundargarh TR No.296/2016 U/s 13(2) r/w 13(1)(d)/7 PC Act, 1988/465/471/477-A/193/34 IPC for preparing false documents and using it by initiating a new Forest case to save the co-accused (now dead) from Vigilance trap case, was convicted by Special Judge, Vigilance, Sundargarh.

Tripathy has been sentenced to undergo rigorous imprisonment for a period of 1 year and fine of Rs.10,000/ and in default of payment of fine, to undergo further rigorous imprisonment for a period of 3 months more for the offence U/s 465/34 IPC.

The Court further sentenced him to undergo rigorous imprisonment for a period of 1 year and fine of Rs.10,000/- and in default of payment of fine, to undergo further rigorous imprisonment for a period of 3 months more for the offence U/s 471/34 IPC.

The Court also sentenced him to undergo rigorous imprisonment for a period of 2 years and fine of Rs.10,000/- and in default of payment of fine, to undergo further rigorous imprisonment for a period of 3 months more for the offence U/s 477-A/34 IPC.

The Court further sentenced him to undergo rigorous imprisonment for a period of 2 years and fine of Rs.10,000/- and in default of payment of fine, to undergo further rigorous imprisonment for a period of 3 months more for the offence U/s 193/34 IPC. All the sentences are to run concurrently.

Odisha Vigilance will now move the competent authority for stoppage of pension of Tripathy following his conviction.