Odisha MLA Pradeep Panigrahi chargesheeted in DA case

Cuttack: Expelled BJD MLA Pradeep Kumar Panigrahi has been chargesheeted in a Disproportionate Assets (DA) case.

Odisha Vigilance filed a 3000-page chargesheet against Gopalpur legislator and his spouse before the Special Judge Court in Bhubaneswar on April 20 for possession of disproportionate assets worth amounting to over Rs 9.18 crore.

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

During the course of investigation, the sacked BJD MLA’s houses were searched 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. His spouse was also found liable for abetting the offence. Accordingly, the Investigation Report was filed before the Lokayukta on 9.06.2022, the Vigilance Directorate stated in a release today.

After examining the investigation report, Lokayukta on 20.04.2023 ordered for submission of chargesheet against Panigrahi and his wife before the Special Court, Vigilance, Bhubaneswar. Accordingly, a 3000-page chargesheet has been filed in the court documenting detailed evidence against the accused persons for standing their trial in the Court of law.