On Direction of Lokayukta, Odisha Vigilance Raids 15 Places of Pradeep Panigrahi and His Relatives, Associates

Bhubaneswar/ Berhampur: Odisha Vigilance has conducted simultaneous raids at 15 different places of Pradeep Panigrahy, his relatives and associates on the allegation of possession of disproportionate assets by the controversial MLA.

The raids are being carried out on the order of Lokayukta.

Simultaneous searches are being conducted at 15 different places including houses of Pradeep Panigrahy’s close aide Sarbeswar Rao, Kambu Panigrahy and MLA’s driver.
The searches are led by SP, Cell, 2 Addl SsP. 17 DSSP and other team members, according to an official release issued by the Vigilance.

On the allegation of possession of disproportionate assets by Pradeep Kumar Panigrahy, a secret verification was conducted by Odisha Vigilance. On completion of secret verification, as material was found regarding possession of disproportionate assets by Panigrahy, a compiaint was fiied before the Lokayukta, Odisha, Bhubaneswar on 9.12.2020.

Finding material in the said complaint that the MLA had amassed assets disproportionate to known sources of income by resorting to corrupt practices the Lokayukta has directed Odisha Vigilance to conduct an inquiry against Panigrahy under Section 20(2) of Odisha Lokayukta Act. 2014.

Accordingly, an inquiry was conducted which revealed that the MLA had intentionally enriched himself illicitly during his incumbency as a public servant from 24.5.2009 to 30.11.2020 and was found in possession of disproportionate assets to the tune of Rs. 5,05,04,656. The inquiry report was submitted to the Lokayukta, Odisha, Bhubaneswar on 28,5.2021.

The Lokayukta, after minutely examining the inquiry report and reply filed by the MLA, found that there existed a prima-facie case against him for an offence under Section 13(2) read with 13(1)(b) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 as amended by Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Act. 2018, and directed Odisha Vigilance to carry out investigation in the matter.

Accordingly, Vigilance Cell PS Case No. 6 dated 4.10.2021 has been registered for a detailed investigation. Further, the Lokayukta, Odisha, Bhubaneswar have authorized the Investigating Officer under Section 26(1) of Odisha Lokayukta Act. 2014 to conduct searches in the case.

Accordingly, simultaneous searches are being conducted at 15 different places of Panigrahy, his relatives and associates for the purpose of investigation, the release stated.