Nabarangpur BJD MlA Manohar Randhari on Wednesday appeared before the Special Vigilance Court, Jeypore in connection with the allegation of misappropriating Government fund against him. He had been directed by the court for the appearance.
The court released him on bail after he furnished surety of Rs50,000.
Former Kodinga MlA Sadan Nayak had in 2013 filed a case in the case against Randhari in this regard. Randhari was a Government employee before entering into politics.
It had been alleged that Randhari had misappropriated Governemnt funds while working as a clerk-cum-storekeeper in the Nandahandi block during 2006-07 and 2007-08.
An audit done in 2010 also established the misappropriation allegation and subsequently Randhari paid back part on money he had bungled. No legal action was taken against Randhari as he was a BJD MlA during the audit, alleged Sadan Nayak.
Randhari though had tried for an anticipatory bail yet could not succeed, sources said.
“My political rival Sadan Nayak is doing this because of political differences. I am in no way connected to his allegation,” Randhari told reporters after he was released on bail.
He said Nayak has been revengeful as he has defeated him twice. “I will win again from my seat,” said the disgusted MlA.
“I am not his political rival because we have never contested from same constituency,” Sadan said, adding, “A corrupt man like Randhari should get his punishment as per the court of law.”