No concrete evidence, ex-accountant cleared of ₹55 lakh embezzlement

A Delhi court has overturned the conviction of a former accountant at the National Heart Institute, previously sentenced to three years' imprisonment for allegedly embezzling ₹55 lakh, citing a complete lack of incriminating evidence.

- EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE @New Delhi

Additional Sessions Judge Lovleen delivered the judgment on April 4, allowing the appeal filed by Sachin Suri against a March 2024 magistrate's order that found him guilty under Section 408 of the Indian Penal Code, which pertains to criminal breach of trust by a clerk or servant.

The case, originally built upon accusations from the institute's accounts officer, S K Shailly, alleged that Suri had failed to deposit ₹55 lakh into the employer's bank account during his tenure.

Shailly's oral testimony claimed he had discovered discrepancies in the account, which eventually pointed to 11 bank entries revealing the shortfall.