CBI Court Sentences Former Sub Postmaster to Five Years in Prison for Misappropriating Government Funds Worth Rs. 47.95 Lakh
Visakhapatnam, September 23, 2026: The CBI Court in Visakhapatnam has convicted and sentenced Damalapati Venu Gopal Naidu, a former Sub Postmaster in Andhra Pradesh, to five years of imprisonment in a government funds fraud case. The court also imposed a fine of Rs. 7,000 after finding him guilty in connection with the alleged misappropriation of Rs. 47.95 lakh during his tenure at the Kotturu Sub Post Office in Srikakulam district.
The verdict, delivered on September 23, 2026, marks the conclusion of the trial in a case investigated by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The case concerned allegations that the former postal official dishonestly withdrew and misappropriated government funds that were under his official responsibility.
CBI Registered the Case in 2020
According to the CBI, the case was registered on March 6, 2020, against D. Venu Gopal Naidu, who was serving as a Sub Postmaster at the Kotturu Sub Post Office under Amadalavalasa Head Post Office, Srikakulam Division, Andhra Pradesh.
The investigation revealed allegations of financial misconduct during the period from February 21, 2019, to August 24, 2019. During this time, the accused allegedly withdrew and misappropriated government funds amounting to Rs. 47,95,000.
As a public servant entrusted with responsibilities related to postal operations and government funds, the former Sub Postmaster was expected to handle the money in accordance with official procedures and financial regulations. However, the CBI alleged that he dishonestly used his position to misappropriate the funds under his jurisdiction.
The alleged financial irregularities formed the basis of the case, which involved charges relating to criminal breach of trust, cheating, falsification of accounts and criminal misappropriation of government funds by a public servant.
Chargesheet Filed After Investigation
Following the registration of the case, the CBI conducted an investigation into the alleged misappropriation and examined the circumstances surrounding the withdrawals and handling of government funds.
After completing its investigation, the agency filed a chargesheet against the accused on December 31, 2020. The chargesheet formally placed the allegations and the evidence collected during the investigation before the court for judicial consideration.
The matter subsequently proceeded to trial, during which the court examined the case before reaching its decision.
Court Awards Five Years of Imprisonment
After the completion of the trial, the CBI Court in Visakhapatnam convicted Damalapati Venu Gopal Naidu and sentenced him to five years of imprisonment. The court also imposed a fine of Rs. 7,000.
The conviction relates to the alleged misappropriation of Rs. 47.95 lakh in government funds during the period when the accused was serving as Sub Postmaster at the Kotturu Sub Post Office.
The judgment represents a significant development in the case, demonstrating the judicial consequences of financial misconduct by public officials when established through the legal process.
Case Highlights Accountability in Public Service
The case underscores the importance of financial accountability and transparency in government institutions, particularly in departments responsible for handling public money. Postal offices perform essential services for citizens and manage a range of financial transactions, making proper record-keeping and adherence to established procedures crucial.
Allegations involving the misuse of public funds can undermine public confidence in government services and highlight the need for effective oversight and investigation. Through its investigation and subsequent chargesheet, the CBI pursued the matter before the court, which ultimately delivered its verdict after trial.
With the former Sub Postmaster convicted and sentenced to five years in prison, the case highlights the legal consequences that public officials may face when found guilty of financial offences involving government funds.
News Source: Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) – Official Press Release
