Fmr Mizoram Khadi Board CEO fined Rs 4 lakh

The court showed leniency to the convicted person as there was no proof of criminal misconduct under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988

Former chief executive officer (CEO) of Mizoram Khadi and Village Industries Board (MKVIB) Lalsawmzuala was fined Rs 4 lakh by the Special Court (Prevention of Corruption Act) in Aizawl on Wednesday. The former CEO was convicted by the court on Tuesday in a graft case.

Lalsawmzuala, retired Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer and the longest serving CEO of the MKVIB was convicted by the special judge H.T.C Lalrinchhana under sections 409 and 447A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) on Tuesday.

“This court finds and deem fit and appropriate that the convicted accused person, namely- Mr. Lalsawmzuala S/o K. Tlanghmingthanga, Industry Mual, Ramhlun North, Aizawl is hereby sentenced under sections 409/477A of IPC for his detention period which he had already undergone with a fine of Rs. 4 lakhs (Rupees four lakhs), in default, another imprisonment of two (2) years,” the judge, while pronouncing the sentence, said.

Lalrinchhana said that the court showed leniency to the convicted person as there was no proof of criminal misconduct under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988.

“To put in clear, no amount pocketed by the accused is proved by the prosecution,” he said.

He also said that being very old aged retired government servant of about 75 years and therefore not likelihood to repeat the offence, thus, not appropriate to imprison for longer period and no previous criminal records and no bad antecedents.

Lalsawmzuala was acquitted by the special judge on Tuesday under section 420 IPC and under sections 13 (2) read with 13 (1)(c) (d) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 ‘by a doctrine of benefit of doubt’.

The judge, while pronouncing the court judgment on Tuesday said that the prosecution evidences proved that the accused (Lalsawmzuala) manipulated and corrupted on National BeeKeeping Fund sanctioned by Ministry of Agriculture, Govt. ofIndia amounting to Rs. 86,24,080/- during 1993 to 2005 and was received by MKVIB, Govt. of Mizoram.

He was also involved in diversion of funds under Ghur and Khansari plant at Saitual town.

“In other words, the accused committed criminal breach of trust being the government servant liable to punish under section 409 IPC and falsification of accounts punishable under section 477A IPC ” the judge had ruled.

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