Odisha Vigilance Submits PPE Scam Probe Report To Lokayukta

Bhubaneswar: The State Vigilance on Tuesday submitted the preliminary investigation report to the Odisha Lokayukta in the alleged irregularities in the purchase of PPE kits, masks and other equipment during the COVID-19 pandemic last year.

On the basis of the report, a three-member bench of the Lokayukta will hear the matter on March 26, Congress leader Sudarshan Das and chairperson of the Odisha Vikash Parishad Sushant Padhi told the mediapersons here.

Das said that the Lokayukta after hearing the petition had directed the State Vigilance to probe into the alleged scam on December 7 last year and submit a preliminary report by February 15 this year. As the Vigilance had failed to submit the report in the specified timeline, it had prayed the Lokayukta for one more month to submit the report.

The Congress leader said there is no provision to hand over the copy to the complainants. However, they can see the copy at the library of the Lokayukta office. “I will go to the library this afternoon to see the copy. I hope that the Lokayukta will give justice to the people of Odisha,” he added.

On the other hand, Padhi said that he will examine the report and take the next course of action.

It may be recalled that the Lokayukta Ajit Singh had directed for a Vigilance probe after the final hearing in the case filed by Das and Padhi on December 7.

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“A preliminary inquiry has to be conducted by the director of vigilance to see whether to combat Covid-19, essential pharmaceutical good and critical equipment, including 3-layered masks, were purchased on higher rates by Hemant Sharma and other public servants with an ulterior motive for their wrongful gain,” the Lokayukta had said in his order.

The order of the Lokayukta came after Industry secretary Hemant Sharma and managing director of Odisha State Medical Corporation Ltd (OSMCL) Yamini Sarangi appeared before the Lokayukta in connection with the alleged irregularities in the purchase of PPE kits and masks.

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