Despite HC bail, MLA Pradeep Panigrahi to stay in jail

Cuttack: Gopalpur Legislator Pradeep Panigrahi will continue to remain in jail, even though the Orissa High Court granted him conditional bail in three cases relating to job scam last evening.

Police sources said a total of six cases are pending against the former Biju Janata Dal (BJD) leader and the court has granted him bail in only four cases till now.

“As Panigrahi is yet to secure bail in two more cases, he will continue to remain in jail,” sources added.

According to the bail conditions laid down by the HC, Panigrahi will be released on bail by furnishing cash security of Rs 3 lakh and bail bond of Rs 2 lakh with two local solvent sureties each. The court further prohibited Pradeep from giving any press interviews or make any public statement in connection with this case.

Earlier on December 3, the MLA was arrested after evidences came to light suggesting that he collected money from people on behalf of Akash Kumar Pathak, son of arrested IFS officer Abhay Pathak, on the pretext of providing them jobs in Tata company.