Lokayukt to probe Pradeep Panigrahi’s corruption case

Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Monday referred the corruption allegations against former Minister and expelled BJD MLA Pradeep Panigrahi to Odisha Lokayukta for investigation.

This is the first corruption allegation referred by the state government to Lokayukt after its creation.

“The Government led by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik is known for its strong action against corruption and committed to provide a transparent administration to the people of the state,” said a statement issued by the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO).

Pradeep Panigrahi has been arrested by the Crime Branch (CB) for allegedly collecting money by promising jobs in Tata company.

Crime Branch said Panigrahi, Gopalpur legislator from Ganjam district, collected money on behalf of Akash Pathak falsely promising jobs in Tata company to people.

Akash, son of suspended IFS officer Abhay Pathak, falsely posed as senior functionary of TATA Motors.