Who Were Convicted in the 1996 Bitumen Scam?
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Synopsis
A special CBI court in Patna has convicted a former executive engineer and a transporter in a nearly three-decade-old bitumen scam that resulted in major financial losses for the Bihar government. The case highlights the long-standing issue of corruption in public works.
Key Takeaways
- CBI Court Conviction: A former executive engineer and transporter convicted for a 1996 bitumen scam.
- Sentences Issued: One-year and three-year prison sentences were handed down.
- Financial Impact: The scam resulted in significant losses for the Bihar government.
- Corruption Pursuit: Demonstrates ongoing efforts to tackle corruption in public works.
- Long-Standing Case: Highlights the importance of accountability even decades later.
New Delhi, Dec 11 (NationPress) A special CBI court in Patna has found a former executive engineer and a transporter guilty for their involvement in a nearly three-decade-long bitumen scam that inflicted considerable financial losses on the Bihar government.
This case dates back to 1996 and involves large-scale misappropriation of bulk bitumen designated for road construction projects.
The CBI reports that Baikunth Nath Sharma, who served as the Executive Engineer of the Road Construction Division (RCD) in Biharsharif, has been sentenced to one year of rigorous imprisonment along with a fine of Rs 35,000.
Suresh Kumar Gupta, a private transporter linked with M/s Tirupati Transport Agency, received a three-year sentence of rigorous imprisonment and a fine totaling Rs 1.5 lakh.
The initial case was registered at the Banka Town Police Station (FIR No. 289/96) and was later transferred to the CBI in February 1997 following directions from the Patna High Court.
During the investigation, it was discovered that the transporter, tasked with delivering bulk bitumen to the RCD Banka division, provided a significantly lower quantity of material than what was specified in the supply order.
“The transporter supplied less than the actual lifted quantity as per the supply order and misappropriated a total of 287.625 Metric Tons (MT) of bulk bitumen valued at Rs 14.38 Lakhs,” noted the CBI in its press release.
After concluding the investigation, the CBI filed a chargesheet in February 2002 against Gupta, Sharma, and two other government officials—Balmiki Chaudhary, a junior engineer, and Raghunandan Singh, an assistant engineer/SDO—both of whom passed away during the trial.
Following years of legal proceedings, the CBI court delivered its verdict on Thursday, finding the remaining accused guilty of criminal misconduct and fraud.
Additionally, a special CBI court in Ahmedabad recently sentenced three individuals to three years’ imprisonment for defrauding the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) of nearly Rs. 67 lakh in 2011.
Point of View
This conviction serves as a crucial reminder of the ongoing battle against corruption in India. The legal system's ability to hold individuals accountable for their actions, even decades later, demonstrates a commitment to integrity and transparency in governance.
NationPress
11/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the 1996 bitumen scam about?
The 1996 bitumen scam involved the large-scale misappropriation of bulk bitumen intended for road construction in Bihar, causing significant financial losses to the state government.
What penalties were handed down to the convicted individuals?
Baikunth Nath Sharma received a one-year sentence with a fine of Rs 35,000, while Suresh Kumar Gupta was sentenced to three years in prison and fined Rs 1.5 lakh.
How did the CBI get involved in the case?
The case was initially registered at the Banka Town Police Station and was transferred to the CBI in February 1997 by the Patna High Court's directives.
What was the outcome for the other officials involved?
The CBI filed charges against two other officials, Balmiki Chaudhary and Raghunandan Singh, who both passed away during the trial.
What does this conviction mean for future corruption cases?
This conviction highlights the judicial system's commitment to addressing corruption, serving as a warning that such misconduct will be pursued regardless of the time elapsed.
