Orissa HC quashes Vigilance Case against CRPF DG Prakash Mishra

In a massive setback to the ruling BJD Government in Odisha and CM Naveen Patnaik, the Orissa High Court has quashed the vigilance case against former Odisha DGP and CRPF DG Prakash Mishra. The court ruled that there was no merit in the case and Prakash Mishra cannot be prosecuted.

The vigilance had lodged an FIR against Mishra alleging that during his reign as chairman-cum-managing director of OPHWC between 2006 and 2009, he gave advance payment of Rs 59 crore to some steel and cement suppliers in 2009.

While pronouncing the verdict, the Judge said, “it’s not uncommon that honest and upright officers are victimised by political establishments”. The court came down heavily on the government for unfairly targeting the top cop.

It is believed that the case was filed to prevent Prakash Mishra from occupying the post of CBI Director. Although he was not chosen as the CBI Director, he was later appointed as the DG, CRPF. Reacting to the judgement, Prakash Mishra said, “It’s the victory of truth and justice. All allegations levelled against me were proved wrong and baseless”.

Prakash Mishra also made an explosive statement that he was targeted by the ruling establishment, as he launched a massive crackdown on the cash laden vehicles owned by them during the last Assembly/Lok Sabha polls. The Congress has taken this matter seriously and demanded a CBI probe into the matter. The BJP has also slammed the BJD government and accused it of using money and muscle power to win the elections.