Bhubaneswar, May 1: Andhra Pradesh government is distributing fake caste certificates to the beneficiaries in  Odisha’s Kotia group of villages, alleged Union Minister of State for Tribal Affairs, Bishweswar Tudu on Sunday.

During a two-day visit to Koraput,Tudu said that he had been informed from reliable sources that Andhra Pradesh administration has issued fake caste certificates to the SC and ST residents of Kotia villages. Luring innocent beneficiaries with the illegal documents, Andhra Pradesh is attempting to trespass into Kotia villages, as a legitimate right.

The certificates, without the validation of the Tribal Affairs Ministry, government of India are not legal, Tudu added.

Besides, he said the illegal venture of Andhra Pradesh for administrative intervention in Odisha will not last long. A team from the Centre will soon visit Kotia group of villages and take stock of the matter. The team will also discuss the matter with the state government soon.