4 May : The Special Judge, CBI, Bhubaneswar has convicted Sh. R. K. Das, the then Branch Manager, UCO Bank, South Balanda Branch Talcher, Dhenkanal (Orrisa), two private persons B. Mohapatra & D N Satapathy and sentenced them to undergo Rigorous Imprisonment (RI) for two years with a fine of Rs.1000/- (in default to undergo RI for three months each on each count for the offences u/s. 420/120B IPC ). R K Das has been further sentenced to R I for two years with fine of Rs. 1000/- (in default to undergo RI further three months) for the offence under sec.13(2) of PC Act, 1988.
The case was registered on 12.10.92 against Shri Ranjan Kumar Das, Branch Manager, UCO Bank, South Balanda Branch, Talcher, Dhenkanal u/s.420 IPC and sec.13(2) r/w 13(1)(d) of the P.C. Act, 1988 on the allegation that Shri Ranjan Kumar Das, while working as Branch Manager, UCO Bank, Marshaghai Branch Cuttack District during 1989-91 purchased two cheques dt. 20.02.90 for Rs.75,000/- each issued by Bamadev Mohapatra of National Supply Agency in favour of Debendra Nath Satapathy on 20.02.90 beyond his financial powers and the amount was mis-utilized to by Debendra Nath Satapathy. Both the two cheques were returned dishonored from UCO Bank, Paradip Branch.
A Charge sheet was filed against R K Das, Surendra Nath Das, Asst. Managers of UCO Bank, Dera Branch, Dhenkanal and two private persons Bamdeb Mohapatra & Debendra Nath Satapathy u/s. 120B r/w 420 IPC and sec.13(2) r/w 13(1)(d) of the P.C. Act, 1988 in the court of Special Judge, CBI, Bhubaneswar on 30.03.96. Charges were framed only against 3 accused – UCO Bank officer R K Das and two private accused persons.
During the trial, prosecution exhibited 44 documents and examined 25 prosecution witnesses. The defence produced 7 documents and examined 6 defence witnesses. The Court found the three accused guilty and convicted them.