Pradeep Panigrahi Re-enters Public Life, Ensures He Will Work For His Constituent
Pradeep Panigrahi Re-enters Public Life, Ensures He Will Work For His Constituent
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Berhampur: Pradeep Panigrahi, a legislator from Gopalpur in the Ganjam district of Odisha, has expressed his intention to return to active politics in order to further the interests of his constituents.
On Thursday, Panigrahi went to a celebration at the Hanuman temple in the Tata Colony of Sindhigaon village. Speaking to reporters outside the event, he stated that he was not attending any public events because he had not received an invitation.
"At this time, I have made the decision to dedicate my time and resources to the needs of the residents of my constituency. Since I wasn't invited by the state administration, I wasn't attending any events. But I owe it to the people who chose me as their leader to work for their advancement," he continued.
In December 2020, Panigrahi was taken into custody by Crime Branch on suspicion of forgery and a computer offence. According to the Crime Branch, he was soliciting donations on behalf of Akash Pathak, the IFS official Abhay Kant Pathak's son, who has been placed on administrative leave.
On November 27, 2020, the Vigilance detained both Abhay Kant and his son Akash. While his son was charged with defrauding individuals by promising them jobs at Tata Motors, Abhaya was detained in connection with a case involving excessive assets.
Former minister Panigrahi was held in judicial custody at Jharpada Special Jail in Bhubaneswar following his arrest. On June 11, 2021, the Orissa High Court granted him bail in relation to the case of employment fraud.
But after being released on bail from jail, the former BJD leader stayed silent and avoided making any public appearances. Additionally, he did not participate in the panchayat and urban body elections.
The BJD has designated Gopabandhu Das election in-charge for Gopalpur following his suspension from the party following his incarceration. In both elections, the party candidates also won.
Political observers are keeping their fingers crossed for Panigrahi's next move in Ganjam politics now that he has announced his return to public life.
