Bhubaneswar, December 22: The Odisha government has initiated a special audit into the alleged irregularities surrounding the Rs 12.35 crore purchase of 51 all-terrain vehicles for the Forest Department.

Forest, Environment, and Climate Change Minister Ganesh Ram Singhkhuntia informed that while the vehicles were bought for Rs 7.1 crore, an additional Rs 5.25 crore was spent on customising them. A special audit by the Accounts General (A&E) of Odisha will investigate the entire procurement and modification process to identify any unnecessary expenditures.

The audit follows concerns raised in the state assembly in March by opposition BJD leader Arun Kumar Sahoo, who questioned the additional costs. Singhkhuntia assured that action would be taken if any irregularities were found. The vehicles, designed to carry 21 types of equipment, are used for forest fire response, wildlife protection, and anti-smuggling activities.