Bhubaneswar: The state government Tuesday said the investigation into alleged irregularities of around Rs 12 crore in the purchase and customisation of 51 Mahindra Thar vehicles by the Forest department will be conducted with complete transparency and impartiality, assuring that strong action will follow if any wrongdoing is established. The assurance came from the office of Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Ganesh Ram Singkhuntia, which clarified that the case is being investigated by the Vigilance department. The clarification was issued after the minister, while speaking to the media earlier in the day, inadvertently stated that the matter was being investigated by the Crime Branch.
His office described the reference as an unintentional mistake and clarified that the Vigilance department is the agency conducting the probe. “The government’s position on the matter is clear. Complete transparency and impartiality will be maintained during the investigation process,” the minister’s office said. It further stated that if any irregularity or wrongdoing is established during the investigation, strong action will be taken in accordance with the law. The clarification comes amid scrutiny of the Forest department’s procurement of 51 Mahindra Thar vehicles and the expenditure incurred on their customisation for field operations.
The vehicles were procured for use in forest and wildlife protection operations, particularly patrolling and monitoring in difficult and non-motorable terrain. The department has maintained that specialised vehicles are required for operations such as anti-poaching drives, wildlife protection, forest patrolling and forest-fire management.
Earlier reports put the expenditure on the purchase of the 51 vehicles at around Rs 7.14 crore, while approximately Rs 5.25 crore was spent on their customisation, taking the total expenditure to around Rs 12.39 crore. The customisation reportedly involved several specialised off-road fittings and equipment intended to make the vehicles suitable for rugged forest terrain. The expenditure on these modifications subsequently came under scrutiny, with questions being raised over their necessity and the procedures followed in procuring and installing them. The state government had earlier ordered a special audit of the office of the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) to examine the procurement and customisation process.
Orissa POST – Odisha’s No.1 English Daily
