State govt investigating into VK Pandian’s whirlwind tours by helicopters: Odisha Law Minister Harichandan

Bhubaneswar (Odisha) [India], August 12 (ANI): Odisha Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan said that the Odisha government is investigating the extensive use of helicopters by former bureaucrat V.K. Pandian, a close aide of former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik.

“Clarity is needed on who was bearing the helicopter expenses. Helipads were constructed using government funds and the matter will be investigated. A probe will also be initiated on who & how permission was given for the use of helicopters by a department secretary, as there is no such provision,” said Prithviraj Harichandan.

Earlier, following Bangladesh’s political turmoil, Prithiviraj Harichandan said the process to verify the identities of Bangladeshi nationals who are coming to Odisha will be initiated soon, as a lot of people are coming to Odisha through West Bengal, he said.

“A lot of people are coming to our nation and Odisha through West Bengal. The process to verify the identities of Bangladeshi nationals who are coming to Odisha will start very soon. We have already alerted our coastal security,” Harichandan told reporters. He further stated, “The Odisha CM has also reviewed the situation. All the marine police stations have been sensitised after the political turmoil in Bangladesh.”