P. Mani (59), an Assistant Manager with the Tamil Nadu Cooperative Milk Producers' Federation Limited (Aavin), was convicted in a corruption case here, 11 years after he was caught red-handed by vigilance officials.
On Thursday, Chief Judicial Magistrate-cum-Special Judge for cases under Prevention of Corruption Act K. Singaraj sentenced Mani to one year imprisonment for taking bribe from a transport operator who collects milk from various collection points and brings to the chilling plant run by the Tamil Nadu Cooperative Milk Producers' Federation Limited near Dharapuram.
The incident pertaining to the conviction took place on June 8, 2004.
ADVERTISEMENT
Mani was due to retire from the service last year but he was “not allowed” to superannuate as the corruption case was pending against him, official sources told
Deputy Superintendent of Police (Vigilance and Anti-Corruption) N. Ravichandran said that Mani demanded bribe from Chellamuthu, the transport operator, while he was posted at the chilling plant situated at Sankarandanpalayam in Dharapuram taluk.
“The accused threatened Chellamuthu that if the bribe is not paid, he will record that the milk has been brought 'late' to the chilling point than the stipulated period within which the milk should reach the plant. In such cases, transport operator stands to lose the cost incurred for bringing the milk to the plant.
ADVERTISEMENT
“Chellamuthu informed vigilance officials and a team led by the then DSP Raja laid the trap to catch Mani while accepting Rs 3,000 from Chellamuthu,” he said.
Bail
Soon after the verdict came, Mani obtained bail from the trial court itself on producing two sureties.
“When the conviction is below two years, the accused can get bail from the trial court itself immediately in these type of cases and could go for appeal in High Court within a month,” said Mr. Ravichandran.