Odisha seeks report on Andhra's distribution of freebies in Koraput

Koraput: Revenue Minister Maheswar Mohanty on Wednesday sought a report from the Koraput district administration on the alleged distribution of blankets and other materials by Andhra Pradesh officials at Kotia gram panchayat in Pottangi block of the district on Tuesday.

Mohanty termed the issue as 'serious' and instructed the Koraput district collector to inquire into the matter and submit a report. Further action will be taken after receiving the report, he said.

Earlier on Tuesday, 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.

Koraput Collector Anupam Shah had informed that a cluster of around 21 villages of Kotia gram panchayat are on disputed land on Andhra-Odisha border. A team led by sub-collector was sent to the area for investigation after getting reports that some Andhra officials held some welfare programmes there.

Shah had further said that the truth can only be ascertained after the team submits a report.