Ganjam Kabisuryanagar MLA Pratap Nayak has refuted allegations of illegally constructing a five-storey building in Goa’s Verna Panchayat and housing labourers there for deployment in various companies.
Speaking to the media on Friday evening, Nayak clarified that the building was constructed with his personal funds and efforts and assured that all activities would comply with directives issued by the Goa government.
MLA’s Statement On Allegations
Addressing the claims, Nayak stated, “No illegal work has been carried out. The building has been constructed with my own money and hard work. The Goa government will direct all actions, and we will comply fully.”
Regarding accusations of housing 400 labourers in the building and using them for commission-based work across multiple companies, he dismissed the claims as false.
“To earn their livelihoods, people usually travel to one place or another. The allegations against housing labourers are baseless. We did not engage in any foul play during the BJD regime to facilitate this construction. The Goa government had also issued a house number to this property. The next steps, as directed by the government, will be dutifully followed,” he added.
Allegations of Unauthorised Construction
Earlier this week, reports emerged from Goa alleging that a five-storey building in Verna Panchayat linked to MLA Nayak had been constructed in violation of regulations. The local administration reportedly issued notices concerning the property, raising concerns over its legality and usage.
Sources indicate that Bishwamittra Tripathy of Kalimeghi village, Beguniapada block, conducted an independent inquiry into Nayak’s business activities.
Tripathy claimed that while Nayak had publicly spoken in the Assembly about labour and development issues in Ganjam district, the construction in Goa was carried out without proper disclosures and had urged authorities to conduct a high-level investigation into the matter.
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Official Notices And Administrative Actions
Letters regarding the disputed construction have been sent by the Goa district administration to the Verna Panchayat and the local sarpanch, highlighting alleged irregularities. The administration is reviewing the situation and will take necessary action based on its findings.
The building in question was reported to have housed workers who were allegedly engaged in multiple companies under Nayak’s supervision, with claims that commissions were collected in return.
MLA Nayak has firmly denied these accusations, emphasising that no such activities took place on his property.
The Goa administration is expected to verify the legality of the construction and decide on further proceedings. So far, MLA Nayak has not faced formal charges, and no investigation has been officially opened against him in Odisha.