VK Pandian’s chopper rides: Odisha Transport Minister assures stern action after probe

Odisha Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhusan Jena on Sunday informed that a probe into the expenditures on VK Pandian’s whirlwind tours across Odisha using helicopters is underway and it will be completed soon.

The Minister further informed that the apprehension of the people of the State may come true.

According to Jena, as the Mohan Majhi government has a zero-tolerance approach towards corruption, stern action may be taken if any violation of norms is found.

“Our government has a zero-tolerance approach towards corruption. Please wait as proper action will be taken after the investigation. Apprehension of the people of the State may come true,” said Jena.

In response, BJD said that no corruption activities were carried out during the tenure of BJD.

“Let them do the investigation. No corruption activities were carried out during the tenure of Naveen Patnaik Government,” said BJD leader Munna Khan.

Notably, when BJD was in power, BJD Leader and former 5T Chairman VK Pandian toured around 27 districts in Odisha in helicopters to hear the grievances of people. Huge amount of rupees amounting to crores were allegedly spent from the State exchequer in this regard.

Several RTI activists have asked about information regarding the expenditures on Pandian’s whirlwind tours across Odisha using choppers, but in vain. Even, a case has been recently registered against Pandian in Capital Police Station in Bhubaneswar in this connection.