Pradeep Panigrahi, 2 others acquitted in 2 fraud cases

Senior BJP leader and Berhampur Member of Parliament (MP) Pradeep Panigrahi, along with Abhay Kant Pathak and his son Akash Pathak, was acquitted by Judicial Magistrate of First Class (JMFC)-Rural, on Tuesday in two fraud cases.

Earlier in the day, the three appeared in the court, examining cases brought against them at Golanthara and Baidyanathpur police stations of Ganjam. These cases involved accusations of accepting money in return for employment at Tata Motors.

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During the court proceedings, the defendants maintained their innocence, attributing the charges to political vendetta. The court's verdict exonerated Panigrahi and the Pathaks in both locations, dismissing the allegations as baseless.

Panigrahi expressed that these cases were a misuse of power and politics, indicating an attempt to damage his reputation and the trust of the people in the political system.

“I and my family members suffered greatly, but the people of my constituency and State have been reassured. The previous government had indulged in revenge politics and the false allegations were rejected by the people in favour of ‘good governance’,” the MP said.

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In his remarks, Panigrahi noted that the legal victory reaffirmed the strength of truth over injustice, acknowledging the support from his constituency despite the political challenges faced by the families over the past several years.

“Truth triumphed at last. This (court) is the temple of justice. I thank the judicial system for bringing the truth to the fore. My counsel Dipak Patnaik put in his best efforts in this regard. The prosecutors presented their viewpoints; but after hearing our statements, the Hon’ble court acquitted me, my son, and Dr Pradeep Panigrahi,” Abhay Kant Pathak stated.