Introduction: In a significant development, the Special Judge for CBI cases in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, has handed down a substantial verdict. Shri Fauza Singh Pandher, the former Superintendent of the Central Excise & Customs (Preventive Branch) at Daman Commissionerate, Vapi, District Valsad, Gujarat, has been sentenced to five years of rigorous imprisonment. Additionally, he has been fined Rs. 20,00,000, and the court has ordered the confiscation of money and jewelry seized during the investigations.
This case traces its origins back to June 30, 2005, when a complaint was lodged against Shri Fauza Singh Pandher. Allegations of possessing disproportionate assets, amounting to Rs. 13,59,127.00 (DA % = 261%), during the period from January 1, 2000, to May 3, 2005, led to a comprehensive investigation.
After meticulous scrutiny and analysis, a chargesheet was filed on August 31, 2006, resulting in the accused being found guilty by the Trial Court and subsequently convicted.
It’s noteworthy that this isn’t the only legal action taken against Shri Fauza Singh Pandher. In a separate case registered on May 3, 2005, the CBI 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 also convicted by the Competent Court in Ahmedabad and was sentenced to undergo three years of rigorous imprisonment, coupled with a fine of Rs. 5,000, on December 30, 2019.
Detailed Analysis: The recent verdict against Shri Fauza Singh Pandher underscores the commitment of the Indian judicial system to combat corruption and ensure accountability, especially among public officials. The stringent punishment, including imprisonment and hefty fines, sends a clear message that individuals found guilty of corruption and possessing disproportionate assets will face severe consequences.
Shri Fauza Singh Pandher’s case highlights the extensive investigative and legal processes undertaken by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to uncover irregularities and wrongdoing. In both cases, substantial evidence was gathered to establish the guilt of the accused, leading to convictions that emphasize the rigorous legal procedures and adherence to justice.
The possession of disproportionate assets is a serious offense, as it suggests unexplained wealth that is beyond an individual’s known sources of income. Such cases are thoroughly examined to ensure that justice is served and that the integrity of public officeholders is upheld. The legal actions against Shri Fauza Singh Pandher serve as a stark reminder that corruption and illicit gains will not go unpunished.
Conclusion: The sentencing of Shri Fauza Singh Pandher to five years of rigorous imprisonment and the imposition of a substantial fine for the possession of disproportionate assets is a significant step toward ensuring transparency, integrity, and accountability in public service. It reaffirms the principle that public officials should be held to the highest ethical standards and that deviations from these standards will be met with legal consequences.
This case serves as a testament to the unwavering commitment of the Indian judicial system, law enforcement agencies, and the CBI to root out corruption and uphold the rule of law. It sends a powerful message that no one is above the law, and individuals found guilty of corruption or possessing disproportionate assets will face the full force of legal proceedings. This verdict stands as a symbol of justice and serves as a deterrent to potential wrongdoers, reinforcing the importance of ethical conduct in public service.
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CBI Press Releases
17-10-2023
FIVE YEARS RIGOROUS IMPRISONMENT TO THEN SUPERINTENDENT OF CENTRAL EXCISE & CUSTOMS FOR POSSESSING DISPROPORTIONATE ASSETS
The Special Judge, CBI cases, Ahmedabad (Gujarat) has sentenced Shri Fauza Singh Pandher, then Superintendent, Central Excise & Customs (Preventive Branch), Daman Commissionerate, Vapi, District Valsad (Gujarat) to undergo five years Rigorous Imprisonment with fine of Rs. 20,00,000/-. The Court has also ordered confiscation of all seized money and jewellery which was seized during the searches.
The instant case was registered 30.06.2005 on a complaint against the accused. The accused was allegedly found in possession of Disproportionate Assets to the tune of Rs. 13,59,127.00/- (DA % =261%) during the check period 01.01.2000 to 03.05.2005.
After investigation, a chargesheet was filed on 31.08.2006. The Trial Court found the accused guilty and convicted him.
Earlier, in another case registered on 03.05.2005, CBI had caught Shri Fauza Singh Pandher, then Superintendent, Central Excise & Customs (Preventive Branch), Daman Commissionerate, Vapi, District Valsad (Gujarat) while accepting bribe of Rs. 30,000/-. During searches, following trap, various documents regarding investments made by him in the name of self & his family members and also other assets were found. In this case, he was also convicted by Competent Court at Ahmedabad and was sentenced to undergo 3 Years RI with fine of Rs.5,000/- on 30.12.2019.
