Odisha govt to investigate construction of 450 helipads for VK Pandian's rides
Odisha commerce and transport minister Bibhuti Bhusan Jena and state law minister Prithiviraj Harichandan have called for a detailed investigation into the helicopter rides taken by VK Pandian, a bureaucrat-turned-politician, between February and September last year. They demand to know how 450 helipads were constructed for these travels, the authorization process, and who funded the rides, reported TOI.
Harichandan emphasized the need to investigate the costs and authorization of the helicopter rides. He questioned how government funds were used for constructing helipads and who provided the necessary permissions for Pandian's extensive travels. Pandian, who was then serving as the 5T secretary, visited 400-450 places during this period.
“We will investigate who covered the cost of the helicopter rides. Clarity must be provided on this matter. It needs a thorough probe. At the govt level, helipads were constructed wherever the helicopter landed, and govt funds were used. He (Pandian) visited 400-450 places. It is not clear who authorized this and how the authorization was issued. A department secretary does not have the authority to use helicopters. How, then, was permission granted?” TOI quoted Harichandan as saying.
He also mentioned that the investigation would include all aspects, and appropriate action would be considered after its completion.
“After the investigation is complete, we will consider the appropriate punishment,” Harichandan told reporters.
The calls for investigation followed a demonstration
