Lokayukta Accepts Recommendation of CM for Conducting Probe into Corruption Charges against Pradeep Panigrahi

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Lokayukta has accepted the recommendation of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik for conducting probe into the corruption charges against controversial Gopalpur MLA Pradeep Panigrahi.

The anti-corruption ombudsman will soon issue a summon notice in this regard, according to reports.

Earlier on December 7, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik had referred the corruption allegations against Pradeep Panigrahi to the Lokayukta for investigation.

This is the first corruption allegation referred by the Odisha Government to Lokayukta Justice Ajit Singh after the creation of the post in the State.
On December 3, Crime Branch had arrested Panigrahi for his alleged complicity in the job fraud charges against Akash Pathak, the son of suspended IFS officer Abhay Kant Pathak.

The controversial MLA was arrested under Sections 419, 420, 467, 468, 469, 471, 120-B of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and Section 66C/66D of IT Act.