Bureaucracy
IRS Officer and Wife Sentenced to 3 Years Jail in Corruption Case
The CBI Special Court in Visakhapatnam has sentenced Sri Rayabharapu Venkata Lakshmi Narasimha Rao, a retired Assistant Commissioner of Central Excise and Customs, and his wife, Smt. Rayabharapu Gowri Ratnam, to three years of rigorous imprisonment. The court also imposed a fine of Rs 2 lakh on the couple in a disproportionate assets case.
The case, registered by the CBI, investigated allegations against Rao during his tenure as a public servant from July 1, 2007, to August 4, 2011. During this period, Rao was found to possess movable and immovable properties in his and his wife’s names, disproportionate to his known sources of income. The assets, valued at Rs 31.20 lakh, were 71.81% higher than his legitimate earnings, which Rao could not satisfactorily account for.
The investigation further revealed that Smt. Gowri Ratnam abetted her husband by acquiring assets in her name, beyond her financial capacity. These findings confirmed her involvement in the offense.
In addition to sentencing the accused, the court directed the CBI to initiate proceedings for the confiscation of properties equivalent to the disproportionate assets, amounting to Rs 27.57 lakh. This measure ensures that the illicitly acquired wealth is recovered.
This case highlights the vigilance of the CBI in addressing corruption and misuse of power by public officials. The judgment serves as a reminder of the importance of accountability and transparency in public service.
