Investigation underway over helicopter use by V.K. Pandian, says Law Minister

Bhubaneswar, Aug 12: Odisha Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan said that the state government is examining the extensive use of helicopters by V.K. Pandian, a former bureaucrat and close aide to ex-Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik.

Harichandan emphasized the need to determine who financed the helicopter usage, as helipads were built with government funds. He also noted that an investigation would be conducted to identify who authorized the helicopter use by a departmental secretary, as no such provision exists.

In addition, Harichandan addressed the issue of Bangladeshi nationals entering Odisha amid political unrest in Bangladesh. He revealed that a verification process for these individuals would soon be initiated, given the increased influx through West Bengal. The coastal security has been alerted, and all marine police stations have been briefed on the situation following the political turmoil in Bangladesh. The Chief Minister of Odisha has also reviewed the matter to ensure proper measures are in place.