Odisha Orders Probe into ₹12 Crore Vehicle Purchase Scandal Amid Corruption Allegations
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Odisha's Forest and Environment Minister Ganesh Ram Singh Khuntia has launched a special audit to investigate alleged irregularities in the purchase and customisation of 51 Mahindra Thars worth ₹12.02 crore. The audit, directed by the additional chief secretary, will be conducted by the accountant general to determine if due procedure was followed in sanctioning the customisation costs and whether the finance department's clearance was obtained. The ₹7 crore vehicles were later modified and renovated at an additional cost of ₹5.02 crore, raising concerns about extravagant use of public funds. An official familiar with the matter stated that the audit team will leave no stone unturned in scrutinising the procurement process and identifying any wrongdoing. The modifications were intended to enhance operational efficiency in challenging forest terrain, but they have come under scrutiny after opposition BJD member Arun Kumar Sahoo raised the issue in the assembly. Minister Khuntia had earlier clarified that the modifications were approved based on ground-level requisitions from divisional forest officers. However, the audit aims to verify if the additional spending was justified and if any external agencies played a role in inflating costs. If irregularities are confirmed, disciplinary action will be taken strictly as per rules.
