Sharma along with Odisha State Medical Corporation Limited (OSMCL) MD Yamini Sarangi appeared before the Lokayukta here today and recorded their views in connection with the alleged corruption in the procurement of PPE kits and masks.
Sharma said PPE kits and masks were purchased as per the decision of the procurement committee and, thus, there was no wrong done in the transactions.
Lawyers of petitioner Sushant Padhi urged the Lokayukta for suspension of the two senior officers, Sharma and Sarangi, apprehending that they might destroy evidences against them.
Similarly, Sudarshan Das demanded that Sharma provide evidences to substantiate his claims. “The verbal presentation bears no meaning. The Secretary should submit appropriate evidences to establish his claims,” said Das.
The hearing was continued for about two-and-a-half hours. Understandably, it was done for the fourth time on the petitions filed by Odisha Congress leader Sudarshan Das and the Odisha Vikash Parishad.
Sources said the final judgment might come in two-three days’ time.
Notably, the Government had shifted Sharma from the post of Chairman of the PPE Kit procurement committee after allegations of corruption were leveled by the Congress and the Odisha Vikash Parishad.
