In a major crackdown on corruption, a Special CBI Court in Lucknow has sentenced three individuals to imprisonment and imposed fines in two separate cases investigated by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The convicted individuals include a former bank manager and two former officers from ITI Ltd., Naini, Allahabad.
Case 1: Bank Manager Sentenced for Bribery
In the first case, the Special Judge, CBI Court No. 05, Lucknow, sentenced Vinod Kumar Ram, a former Branch Manager of Kashi Gomti Sanyukta Gramin Bank, Papaura Branch, Chandauli (Uttar Pradesh), to 4 years of imprisonment along with a fine of ₹35,000.
This case dates back to August 16, 2016, when the CBI registered a complaint against Vinod Kumar Ram after receiving allegations that he had demanded a bribe of ₹6,000 from a complainant. The bribe was sought for approving a loan of ₹50,000 under the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Loan Scheme for the complainant’s brother.
To catch him in the act, the CBI laid a trap, and Vinod Kumar Ram was caught red-handed while accepting a negotiated bribe amount of ₹5,000. Following an investigation, the CBI filed a chargesheet on September 30, 2016, and after a thorough trial, the court found him guilty and handed down the sentence.
Case 2: ITI Ltd. Officials Convicted for Fraud
In the second case, the Special Judicial Magistrate (Pollution), Lucknow, sentenced Lav Nigam, Ex-Chief Manager, and S.A.H. Jafri, a former officer of ITI Ltd., Naini, Allahabad, to 2 years of imprisonment and imposed a total fine of ₹16,000.
The CBI had registered this case on February 17, 1998, based on allegations that Lav Nigam, while serving as Manager in the Shipping (X) Department at ITI, Naini, had defrauded the company. Between 1990 and 1992, he submitted fake bills in his handwriting, causing a financial loss of approximately ₹5.25 lakh to ITI Ltd.
Following the investigation, the CBI filed a chargesheet on October 8, 2001, against both Nigam and Jafri. After the trial, the court found both accused guilty of cheating and fraud and sentenced them accordingly.
CBI’s Role in Fighting Corruption
These convictions highlight the CBI’s ongoing efforts to curb corruption in public institutions. By conducting thorough investigations and bringing offenders to justice, the agency aims to uphold transparency and accountability in the financial and administrative systems.
Conclusion
The sentencing of these officials underscores the importance of maintaining ethical standards in public service and sends a strong message against bribery and fraud. Cases like these reaffirm that corrupt practices will not go unpunished and that legal consequences await those who abuse their positions of power.
