Rs 9.18 Cr Disproportionate Property with Gopalpur MLA Pradeep Panigrahi & Wife; Vigilance’s 3000 Pg Chargesheet

Bhubaneswar: Gopalpur MLA Pradeep Panigrahi Panigrahi possesses disproportionate assets to the tune of Rs 9,18,13,007, claimed the Odisha Vigilance department on Saturday in a 3000-page charge sheet filed against him and his wife in disproportionate assets (DA) case.

The charge sheet was submitted to the Special Court of Vigilance in Bhubaneswar. As per the order of the Odisha Lokayukta, the state vigilance department had cases registered against Panigrahi and his wife, Sujata Panigrahi on October 4, 2021.

Panigrahi was found in possession of assets disproportionate to his income worth Rs 9,18,13,007. He has failed to provide a proper source of these assets. His wife was also found liable for abetting the offence.

A vigilance press release stated, “After examining the investigation report, the Lokayukta on April 20, 2023, ordered for submission of charge sheet against Panigrahi and his spouse before the special court, Vigilance, Bhubaneswar. Accordingly, a 3000-page charge sheet has been filed in the Special Court, Vigilance, Bhubaneswar documenting detailed evidence against the accused for standing their trial in the Court of law.”

The Gopalpur MLA was arrested on charges of forgery, criminal conspiracy, and other cyber offences on December 3, 2020. He was expelled by the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD). He was released from Jharpada jail in Bhubaneswar on June 12, 2021, after getting bail from the Orissa High Court in connection with the ‘TATA Motors job fraud’ case.