Naveen Recommends Lokayukta Probe Into Pradeep Row

Bhubaneswar (Reporters Today Bureau): Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today referred the corruption allegations against Gopalpur legislator Pradeep Panigrahi to Lokayukta for a detailed investigation. As per reports, it is the first corruption allegation referred by the State government to Lokayukta after its creation.

It is pertinent to mention here that the ruling Biju Janata Dal had expelled Panigrahi on the charges of ‘anti-people activities’. “The Govt led by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik is known for its strong action against corruption in public life and committed to provide a transparent administration to the people of Odisha,” said CMO in a statement.

On December 3, the Crime Branch had arrested Pradeep for his alleged complicity in the job fraud charges levelled against Akash Pathak, the son of suspended IFS officer Abhay Kant Pathak. The CID CB said Pradeep was arrested in connection with Cyber Police Station case no 26/2020 u/s 419/420/467/468/469/471/120-B IPC r/w sec 66 C/66 D of IT Act 2000 as there was sufficient prima facie evidence against him in the case.

Pradeep has been accused of collecting money on behalf of Akash Pathak falsely promising jobs in Tata Motors company. “This case relates to impersonation, cheating, forgery, criminal conspiracy and other cyber offences by Akash, posing himself as in charge Managing Director of Tata Motors passenger car division,” the statement released by the Vigilance read.