MLA Pradeep Panigrahi vigilance chargesheeted in DA case of Rs 9.18 crore

Bhubaneswar: Odisha Vigilance filed chargesheet against former BJD leader and MLA Pradeep Panigrahi and his wife for allegedly possessing assets worth over Rs 9.18 crore, which were found to be disproportionate to their known sources income.

The 3000-page chargesheet was filed before the Special Vigilance Court, Bhubaneswar in disproportionate assets case registered against the Gopalpur MLA and his spouse, a Vigilance release said.

The case was registered on April 10, 2021 u/s u/s 13(2) r/w 13(1)(b) PC Act, 1988 as amended by PC (Amendment) Act, 2018 on the orders of the Odisha Lokayukta for possession of assets disproportionate to known sources of income by Panigrahi during his tenure as a public servant.

During the course of investigation, house searches were conducted and relevant materials, documents and information relating to assets, income and expenditure were collected. After completion of investigation, Panigrahi was found in possession of assets disproportionate to the tune of Rs.9,18,13,007/-, which he could not explain satisfactorily.

The former Minister’s ‘spouse was also found liable for abetting the offence. Accordingly, the Investigation Report was filed before the Lokayukta on June 9, 2022. After examining the Investigation Report, the Lokayukta on April 20, 2023 ordered for submission of chargesheet against Panigrahi and his spouse before the Special Court, Vigilance, Bhubaneswar.

Accordingly, the 3000-page chargesheet has been filed in the Special Court, Vigilance, Bhubaneswar documenting detailed evidence against the accused persons for standing their trial in the court of law, it added.

It may be noted here that Panigrahi hadbeen arrested on charges of forgery, criminal conspiracy and other offences on December 3, 2020. Following his arrest, the legislator was expelled from the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD). He was released from Jharpada jail in Bhubaneswar on June 12, 2021 after being granted bail by the Orissa High Court in connection with a job fraud case.