Over 500 Criminal Cases Registered Against Odisha MPs, MLAs: Assembly Data
Bhubaneswar: In a significant revelation in the Odisha Assembly, the state government disclosed that a total of 561 criminal cases have been registered against former and sitting MPs and MLAs.
The data was presented by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Mukesh Mahaling in response to a query from Opposition Deputy Leader Prasanna Acharya.
According to the written response, 22 cases have been registered against former and sitting MPs, while 39 criminal cases have been recorded separately. Meanwhile, MLAs – both former and current are facing 115 cases, with a total of 418 criminal cases against them.
The status of these cases is as follows:
– 384 cases are currently under trial.
– 14 cases have completed trial.
– 43 cases remain under investigation.
Notably, 198 cases have been categorised as “purely political” in nature. The revelation has reignited discussions on the integrity and accountability of public representatives in Odisha, with legal and political experts calling for stricter measures to enhance transparency in governance.
The disclosure is expected to fuel further debates on electoral reforms and the necessity for stringent legal scrutiny of politicians facing criminal charges.
