HC acquits 9 in 40-year-old salary ‘scam’

Raipur: The Chhattisgarh high court acquitted nine health department officials in a 40-year-old corruption case involving alleged fraudulent salary withdrawals totalling Rs 42,040 from 1979 to 1985, overturning their 2002 conviction, while noting that key accused, including the then chief medical and health officer (CMHO), and several appellants died during the prolonged legal proceedings.The case stemmed from allegations that the then CMHO and subordinates, including accountants and clerks in Jagdalpur's health office, conspired to draw salaries for three sweepers after they stopped working. The prosecution claimed the sweepers were employed as domestic help at the CMHO's residence briefly before leaving, yet bills with forged thumb impressions continued, causing govt loss.