21-04-2025
Former superintendent at Mundra port gets 5 years in jail in DA case
Ahmedabad: A special
CBI court
here on Monday sentenced a former superintendent at the development commissioner's office in
Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Limited
(APSEZ) in Mundra, Kutch, to five years in jail and imposed a fine of Rs 80 lakh on him after it was proved that he amassed wealth illegally.
According to case details, the former officer, Pankaj Raval, and his wife, Kiran Raval, were charged with having disproportionate assets (DA) worth Rs 45 lakh compared to their known sources of income in 2015. This was for a period of six years (2009-2015).
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe found that the couple purchased a large amount of jewellery and accumulated other assets during the check period of 2009-2015. The assets acquired were pegged at 153% more than the legitimate income source.
The CBI filed a chargesheet against Raval and his wife, who passed away during the pendency of the trial, and therefore her name was removed from the proceedings, the CBI said in a statement.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
4BHK+Family Lounge+Utility room at 4.49Cr (All Incl)*
ATS Triumph, Gurgaon
Book Now
Undo
The CBI examined 35 witnesses and relied on 101 documents in support of the charges against Raval.
After the trial, the special judge at the city sessions court, D G Rana, offered a word of advice when he quoted from the Upanishad, "Ishavasyam Edam Sarvam Yatkinch Jagtyam Jagat Ten Tyakten Bhunjeetha Ma Grudhah Kashyashvid Dhanam" (All this here is permeated by Brahman, i.e., The Supreme Soul, Whatever there is in this world. Enjoy things by renunciation. Do not covet wealth as it belongs to no one.)
The court order stated, "Justice demands punishments that express public abhorrence of the crime, demonstrating society's strong disapproval for such public servants who amass wealth by illegal means abusing power or position."
The court further said, "Considering the gravity of the offence, this court is mindful of the fact that the accused was engaged in official work as an appraiser at the development commissioner's office, APSEZ Mundra. His job profile is such that even minor deviations may result in a huge loss to the govt exchequer."
