Ahead of Rahul Gandhi visit, Odisha Congress chief, son summoned in a fraud case

Ahead of Congress president Rahul Gandhi’s visit, Odisha Congress chief Niranjan Patnaik and his son Navjyoti Patnaik have been summoned by Delhi Police’s Economic Offences Wing (EOW) for their alleged involvement in a fraud case. The case pertains to one KS Ahluwaliya, who alleged that a company named Vavasi Telecom Pvt. LTD took Rs 32 crore from him by fraud in 2007-08. Both the Odisha Congress chief and his son were the directors of the company during the time.

The firm – Vavasi Telecom – has also given in writing that Niranjan even misappropriated funds worth Rs 6 crore of the Rs 32 crore Ahluwaliya had allegedly paid. The EOW has been investigating the case and asked the father-son duo submit related documents.

Meanwhile, the Odisha PCC chief said that he has not received any such notice but will cooperate if police seek any information from him. “I have not received any notice but will cooperate if police seek any information. I was the director of the company, but I have resigned long back,” said Patnaik. 

In April last year, Niranjan was appointed as the president of the Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC). He had replaced Prasad Harichandan.

The development came a day ahead of Rahul Gandhi’s rally in Bhubaneswar to kick start his party’s campaign for the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. The visit of Congress chief is crucial as it comes at a time when the party is facing issues among top leaders of the state.

On January 20, the Congress had expelled former Union Minister Srikant Jena and former MLA Krushna Chandra Sagaria for alleged anti-party activities. The announcement was made late at night by Odisha Congress’ disciplinary committee convener Ananta Prasad Sethi.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Delhi Police’s EOW has asked Niranjan Patnaik to submit related documents.
• Patnaik was director of Vavasi Telecom when the alleged fraud took place.
• Congress president Rahul Gandhi will address a rally in Odisha today.