Lokayukta to probe graft charges against Odisha MLA Panigrahi

Bhubaneswar, Dec 7 (IANS) Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Monday referred the corruption allegations against former Minister and expelled Biju Janata Dal (BJD) MLA Pradeep Panigrahi to Lokayukta for investigation.This is the first corruption allegation referred by the state government to Lokayukta after its creation."The government led by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik is known for its strong action against corruption and committed to provide a transparent administration to the people of the state," said a statement issued by the Chief Minister's Office (CMO).Notably, Odisha Crime Branch has arrested Pradeep Panigrahi for allegedly collecting money by promising jobs in Tata Motors.The Gopalpur MLA allegedly collected money on behalf of Akash Pathak, son of suspended IFS officer Abhay Pathak, who falsely posed as a senior functionary of TATA Motors, said the investigating agency.Both Akash Pathak and his father Abhay Kant Pathak have already been arrested by the Vigilance for amassing assets disproportionate to their known source of income.
--IANS cd/in