Andhra Babus distribute doles in Odisha villages

Jeypore: In a bid to lure the tribals of Kotia gram panchayat in Pottangi block of Koraput, the officials of Andhra Pradesh were seen distributing blankets and other materials to the locals at a special event today.

Vizianagaram Collector and SP attended a programme named 'Maa Uru' or Janambhumi at Kotia, the event which is observed in Andhra Pradesh from January 2 to 11 every year. On the occasion, the officials of the neighbouring State distributed blankets among the villagers.

On being informed, Koraput district administration sent a team to the spot for inquiry.

"A cluster of around 21 villages of Kotia gram panchayat are on disputed land on Andhra-Odisha border. We came to know that some Andhra officials held some welfare programmes there. A team led by sub-collector has been sent to the area for investigation. We can only ascertain what has happened after the team submits a report," Koraput Collector, Anupam Shah said.