Trial to Commence against Gopalpur MLA Pradeep Panigrahy, Wife in DA Case

Bhubaneswar: The Special Judge, Special Court, Vigilance, Bhubaneswar framed charges against tainted Gopalpur MLA Pradeep Kumar Panigrahy and his spouse to commence trial in the disproportionate assets case filed against them by Odisha Vigilance.

On 20.4.2023, Odisha Vigilance had filed charge Sheet before the Special Judge, Special Court, Vigilance, Bhubaneswar in a disproportionate assets case registered against Panigrahy and his spouse.

The case was registered vide Vigilance Cell PS Case No. 06 dt: 4.10.2021 u/s 13(2) r/w 13(1) (b) /12 PC Act, 1988 as amended by P.C. (Amendment) Act, 2018 on the orders of Lokayukta, Odisha, Bhubaneswar for possession of assets disproportionate to known sources of income by Dr. Panigrahy during his tenure as a public servant.

During the course of investigation, house searches were conducted and relevant materials, documents and information relating to assets, income and expenditure were collected. After completion of investigation, Panigrahy 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 9.6.2022.

After examining the Investigation Report, the Lokayukta on 20.4.2023 ordered for submission of chargesheet against Panigrahy and his spouse before the Special Judge, Special Court, Vigilance, Bhubaneswar. Accordingly, a 3000-page chargesheet has been filed in the Special Judge, Special Court, Vigilance, Bhubaneswar documenting detailed evidence against the accused persons for standing their trial in the Court of law.

Accordingly, Special Judge, Special Court, Vigilance, Bhubaneswar took cognizance on 22.4.2023 and framed charges to commence the trial.