Odisha MLA Pradeep Panigrahi frisked away by cops to undisclosed location, alleges wife

Bhubaneswar: Gopalpur MLA Pradeep Panigrahi was frisked away by Odisha Crime Branch officials to an undisclosed location this evening, alleged legislator’s wife Sujata Panigrahi.

“Several persons identifying themselves as Crime Branch officials came to our residence at Unit-6 and took my husband with them in a vehicle informing me that they were taking him to Economic Offence Wing (EOW) office,” said Sujata Panigrahi.

“As I reached near the EOW office, I didn’t find my husband there. I am unable to know the whereabouts of my husband. It hardly takes 8 minutes to reach the EOW office from my residence. I followed the vehicle to the office but the vehicle that carried him didn’t reach yet,” she said.

The MLA’s wife further said that it’s an attempt to frame her husband. “If anything happens to my husband, the Chief Minister will be responsible for that,” she added.

“The government claims that Rs 2.5 crore has been deposited in my husband’s bank account. I accept that. We are ready to clarify on that. Without giving any opportunity to put our stand, the government has exerted undue pressure on us,” she expressed.

On the other hand, the Crime Branch clarified that the MLA was being questioned in connection with a case registered with Cyber Crime Police Station.

Hon’ble MLA Dr. Pradip Kumar Panigrahi is being questioned in connection with CID CB Cyber Crime PS case no 26/2020

— Crime Branch, Odisha Police (@CIDOdisha) December 3, 2020

Pradeep Panigrahi was recently expelled from the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) over alleged anti-people activities.

Also read- BJD Justifies Decision To Expel MLA Pradeep Panigrahi From Party.