Odisha: Lokayukta directs vigilance inquiry into graft charges against jailed MLA
BHUBANESWAR: The state Lokayukta on Friday asked the directorate of vigilance to conduct a preliminary inquiry into the allegations of corruption against Gopalpur MLA, Pradeep Panigrahy, and submit a report within two months.
The Lokayukta bench, comprising chairperson Justice Ajit Singh and members Debabrata Swain and RP Sharma, listed February 12 for the submission of the vigilance report. “Serious allegation of corruption is made against Panigrahy. The complaint is based on a secret verification of the vigilance cell. It is also supported by a number of documents,” the Lokayutka said in its order. Prima facie, the complaint is that Panigrahy has amassed assets disproportionate to his known sources of income by resorting to corrupt practice, it added.
Chief minister Naveen Patnaik had on Monday decided to refer the complaint against Panigrahy (56), a former minister and three-time MLA, to the Lokayukta. Two days later, deputy superintendent of police (vigilance) Ranjan Kumar Dash filed a complaint with the anti-corruption watchdog on Wednesday. Panigrahy is in judicial custody following his arrest by the Crime Branch on December 3 for his alleged role in a job scam, in which he faces charges of fraud, forgery and criminal conspiracy.