BJP MP Pradeep Kumar Panigrahy Acquitted in Two Cheating Cases Due to Lack of Evidence

BJP MP Pradeep Kumar Panigrahy was cleared of cheating charges in two cases by a special court in Odisha's Ganjam district. Former IFS officer Abhay Pathak and his son Akash Pathak, co-accused in one case, were also acquitted. The special MP/MLA court judge found insufficient evidence, according to MP's counsel Deepak Patnaik.

In 2021, a complaint led to a case against Panigrahy, Pathak, and his son at Baidyanathpur police station. The complainant alleged he paid Rs 6 lakh to the then Gopalpur MLA for securing a job for his son in an automobile company. Another case was filed at Golanthara police station when a man claimed he gave Rs 5 lakh to Panigrahy for his brother's employment.

Pending Cases and Political Journey

Panigrahy faces three more cheating cases at Golanthara police station, which are still under trial. He was arrested by the Crime Branch on December 3, 2020, over alleged involvement in a job scam. His political career saw a turn when he was expelled from the Naveen Patnaik-led BJD for supposed anti-people activities.

Ahead of the 2024 elections, Panigrahy joined the BJP and successfully contested from the Berhampur Lok Sabha seat. The acquittal marks a significant development in his legal battles as he continues his political journey with the BJP.