74 cops for VK Pandian's security: Odisha BJP approaches CEO demanding action

A delegation of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) approached the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Odisha on Saturday questioning the deployment of 74 police personnel for 5T chairperson VK Pandian and targeted the Odisha government over the issue.

BJP leader Surath Biswal said, "The safety of the common people is in a deplorable condition because of the shortage of security personnel. The security personnel engaged for VK Pandian are taking salaries from the state coffers.”

He sought to know if these security personnel are working for the government or the BJD and how the money spent on VK Pandian's security would be recovered. 

Biswal said that the CEO has been urged to take steps for recovery of the money spent towards the security of VK Pandian. 

Notably, the Commissionerate Police while responding to an RTI query from activist Prakash Chandra Das revealed that two SIs (armed), 12 Havildars, and 60 constables, including four women constables, have been engaged for the security of 5T & Nabin Odisha Chairman, VK Pandian. 

As per the RTI reply, apart from a vehicle provided by the Home Department, a personal security officer has also been appointed for Pandian. 

Odisha Soochana Adhikar Abhiyan (OSAA) convenor, Prakash Das alleged that on average Rs 3 crore per year has been spent over the last five years. 

No response has been received either from VK Pandian, Odisha government authorities or the BJD.