Bhadrak: Hours after receiving ‘Leave India’ notices from the state government Monday, eight Chinese nationals who were working on an expansion project of the Adani Group-controlled Dhamra Port Company Ltd (DPCL) in this district, reportedly left their place of work in the wee hours Tuesday.
According to sources, the Chinese nationals left Dhamra for Kolkata in two SUVs early Tuesday morning.
Confirming their departure, SP Niharranjan Das said the Chinese nationals were driven out of the place as they had violated Visa norms and in view of their threat to internal security and defence system.
Officials of the Intelligence Bureau had earlier reported that engaging 19 Chinese nationals in the expansion work of the port may pose threat to the country’s security. The report had exposed the carelessness of the port authorities about national security.
APJ Abdul Kalam Island (previously known as Wheeler Island), where missiles are tested, is only 10km from Dhamra port. Besides, defence-research related activities are being carried out there.
The Chinese nationals had come here on Business visa but were engaged as technicians on behalf of A Thailand-based firm in the port. The 19 Chinese nationals had been working since February, 2016. Two days ago, 11 of them had left the place, a report said.
Many suspect that during their stay the Chinese nationals might have garnered defence-related classified data and pictures.
Meanwhile, locals demanded a probe into why DPCL had engaged Chinese nationals in its work and had not intimated the police about anomalies in their visas.
The ministry of home affairs had informed the state government last week about the presence of Chinese nationals in Bhadrak district where sensitive defense establishments are located. PNN
