Bhubaneswar, Dec 3: Expelled BJD MLA Pradeep Kumar Panigrahy was today arrested by the Crime Branch for his alleged involvement in cheating aspirants on pretext of providing job in Tata Group.

“Evidence has come to light that Panigrahy collected money on behalf of Akash kumar Pathak, falsely promising jobs in Tata Motors to people. This case relates to impersonation, cheating, forgery, criminal conspiracy and other cyber offences by Akash Kumar Pathak, posing himself as in charge Managing Director of Tata Motors passenger car division,” read a press release of the Crime Branch.

Panigrahy, a three time MLA from Gopalpur in Ganjam district was expelled from BJD on Sunday for anti-people activities.

Several allegation of cheating job aspirants have surfaced against the legislator and Akash Pathak, the son of tainted IFS Abhay Kant Pathak. Several aspirants have accused the legislator and Akash of cheating more than 100 aspirants of Gopalpur and Berhampur on pretext of job.

The senior IFS officer along with son was arrested by the Vigilance on Friday for amassing assets disproportionate to his income. Akash was expected to marry Panigrahy’s daughter in December.