Former Superintendent of Central Excise & Customs Sentenced to 5 year Rigorous Imprisonment and Fined Rs. 20,00,000.

The wheels of justice have turned against a corrupt public official who exploited his position for personal gain. Shri Fauza Singh Pandher, a former Superintendent of the Central Excise & Customs (Preventive Branch) at the Daman Commissionerate, Vapi, District Valsad, Gujarat, has been convicted of possessing disproportionate assets during his tenure.

The case dates back to June 30, 2005, when a complaint was lodged against Shri Fauza Singh Pandher, alleging that he had amassed unexplained wealth far exceeding his legitimate sources of income. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) launched a comprehensive investigation, meticulously scrutinizing his financial records and assets.

The investigation revealed that during the period from January 1, 2000, to May 3, 2005, Shri Fauza Singh Pandher had accumulated disproportionate assets worth a staggering Rs. 13,59,127, which amounted to a whopping 261% above his known income. This discrepancy raised serious concerns about the integrity of the public official and the potential misuse of his position for personal enrichment.

After a thorough examination of the evidence, the CBI filed a chargesheet on August 31, 2006, setting the stage for legal proceedings. The Special Judge for CBI cases in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, presided over the trial and ultimately found Shri Fauza Singh Pandher guilty of the charges leveled against him.

In a landmark verdict, the court handed down a severe punishment to the convicted official. Shri Fauza Singh Pandher was sentenced to five years of rigorous imprisonment and ordered to pay a substantial fine of Rs. 20,00,000. Additionally, the court directed the confiscation of the money and jewelry seized during the investigation, further underscoring the gravity of the offense.

It is noteworthy that this was not the first instance of legal action against Shri Fauza Singh Pandher. In a separate case registered on May 3, 2005, the CBI had apprehended him while accepting a bribe of Rs. 30,000. Subsequent searches uncovered a trail of documents related to investments made by him in his name and that of his family members, alongside other undisclosed assets. In this case, he was convicted by the Competent Court in Ahmedabad and sentenced to three years of rigorous imprisonment, coupled with a fine of Rs. 5,000, on December 30, 2019.

FAQs:

Q1. What was the nature of the offense committed by Shri Fauza Singh Pandher?

A1. Shri Fauza Singh Pandher, a former Superintendent of the Central Excise & Customs (Preventive Branch), was found guilty of possessing disproportionate assets worth Rs. 13,59,127, which amounted to 261% above his known income during his tenure from January 1, 2000, to May 3, 2005.

Q2. What was the punishment handed down by the court?

A2. The Special Judge for CBI cases in Ahmedabad sentenced Shri Fauza Singh Pandher to five years of rigorous imprisonment and imposed a fine of Rs. 20,00,000. The court also ordered the confiscation of the money and jewelry seized during the investigation.

Q3. Was this the first legal action against Shri Fauza Singh Pandher?

A3. No, this was not the first instance of legal action against him. In a separate case registered on May 3, 2005, he was caught accepting a bribe of Rs. 30,000 and was subsequently convicted and sentenced to three years of rigorous imprisonment and a fine of Rs. 5,000 on December 30, 2019.

Q4. What message does this case send to public officials?

A4. This case sends a strong message that corruption and the possession of disproportionate assets by public officials will not be tolerated. It reinforces the principle that individuals entrusted with public service must uphold the highest ethical standards and will face severe consequences if found guilty of misusing their positions for personal gain.

Q5. How does this verdict contribute to the fight against corruption?

A5. The stringent punishment imposed on Shri Fauza Singh Pandher serves as a deterrent to potential wrongdoers and reinforces the commitment of the Indian judicial system and law enforcement agencies to root out corruption and uphold the rule of law. It demonstrates that no one is above the law, and those found guilty of corruption or possessing disproportionate assets will face the full force of legal proceedings. The conviction and sentencing of Shri Fauza Singh Pandher for possessing disproportionate assets is a significant step towards restoring public trust in the integrity of government institutions. It sends a powerful message that corruption and the misuse of public office for personal enrichment will not be tolerated, and those found guilty will face severe consequences under the law.