Cases were vindictively framed by using BJD-led govt machinery: Akash Pathak

Former Indian Forest Service (IFS) officer Abhay Kant Pathak and his son Akash Pathak have been at the centre of a significant legal controversy in Odisha. False cases were vindictively framed against them by the previous BJD dispensation by using govt machinery, alleged Akash while speaking to OTV in an exclusive interview on Wednesday.

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“Unnecessary cases were framed against us and we had moved the court seeking justice. The court has, in the meantime, acquitted us in some of them, thereby giving us justice. I have faith in the Almighty that we will definitely be acquitted in the remaining two cases in the days ahead since there are no evidences against us,” Akash expressed.

“Cases were also filed against us three (Abhay Kant, Akash, and Pradeep) at Golanthara and Baidyanathpur Police stations over Tata ‘job scam’. However, the complainants have already admitted that they had lodged FIRs after being pressurised by a senior police official. Even the complainants said they did not know us and seen us ever,” Akash stated.

Odisha Vigilance Department had filed a case against the father-son duo, alleging possession of assets disproportionate to their legal sources of income. These actions took place during the tenure of the previous Biju Janata Dal (BJD)-led government. Subsequently, a chargesheet was filed, leading to their imprisonment.

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There were allegations suggesting that the Pathaks were deliberately targeted due to their association with Pradeep Panigrahi, who was an MLA (Member of the Legislative Assembly) of Gopalpur at that time. The case has drawn considerable attention.