Odisha: Lokayukta asks vigilance to conduct preliminary inquiry into allegation of corruption against BJD lawmaker

BHUBANESWAR: The Lokayukta, Odisha, on Tuesday asked the state vigilance to conduct preliminary inquiry into allegation of corruption against Remuna MLA Sudhansu Sekhar Parida (BJD) to ascertain whether a prima facie case exists.
“The report of preliminary inquiry be submitted within two months. A copy of the complaint and all relevant documents be immediately supplied to the director, vigilance,” the Lokayukta said on Tuesday.
The anti-corruption watchdog was hearing a petition which alleged that the BJD MLA siphoned off subsidies meant for buying farm equipment. Complainant Tanmaya Mohanty has alleged that a company owned by the MLA swindled the amount.
The Lokayukta considered allegation and replies by the MLA’s counsel in the matter and asked the vigilance to ensure that the officer shall allow the complainant as well as respondents to submit evidence/material in support of their respective stand during the preliminary inquiry.
Parida, when contacted, said he was not involved in any wrongdoing. “I was part of a company till 2015 against whom there is a complaint for its activities after I left. I have not siphoned off any money,” Parida said.