A Dhaka court on Monday sentenced Abhijit Adhikari Tirtha, an associate of alleged financial fraudster PK Halder and former managing director of Sukhada Properties Limited, to seven years' imprisonment in a corruption case.
Judge Md Hasanuzzaman of Dhaka Special Judge's Court-1 passed the order.
The court handed Abhijit Adhikari two years' imprisonment for concealing asset information and five years for amassing wealth beyond his known sources of income. He was also fined Tk Tk 1,35,05,284. Failure to pay the fine will result in an additional 30 days of imprisonment.
According to court officials, the sentences will run concurrently, meaning Adhikari will serve the longer of the two terms—five years in prison.
The court's bench assistant, Rajib Dey, confirmed the verdict details.
He said Abhijit Adhikari has remained absconding since the case was filed. The court subsequently issued a conviction warrant and an arrest warrant against him.
According to the case documents, the case was filed on March 6, 2023, by Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Assistant Director Mansi Biswas. The complaint alleged that Abhijit Adhikari possessed assets worth Tk 1,22,50,000 that were inconsistent with his known sources of income and failed to submit a mandatory wealth statement within the stipulated timeframe.
Following an investigation, ACC Deputy Director Nazmul Hussain submitted the charge sheet on May 5, 2024, accusing Adhikari of accumulating illegal assets worth Tk 1,35,0500.
The trial commenced on March 13, 2025, after the court framed charges against the accused. During the proceedings, the court recorded testimonies from five witnesses. As Adhikari remained a fugitive throughout the trial, he was unable to present a defence.
The court delivered the verdict after concluding arguments from both the prosecution and the defence.