Accepting Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik’s recommendation, the Odisha Lokayukta on Friday directed the State Vigilance Directorate to investigate the corruption allegations levelled against expelled Gopalpur BJD MLA Pradeep Panigrahi.
The Lokayukta asked the Vigilance to submit a report within two months after a preliminary investigation.On December 7, the CM had recommended to the Lokayukta for a probe into the corruption charges against Panigrahi, who is currently lodged at the Jharpada jail after his bail plea was rejected by the Sub-Divisional Judicial Magistrate (SDJM) Court here on December 3. It is to be noted that this is the first case of corruption that has been referred to by the State Government the Odisha Lokayukta after its formation.