Governance / Odisha Forest Dept Under Scanner for ‘THAR’ Purchases

Bhubaneswar, Aug 25: The Odisha Forest Department has come under the Vigilance scanner over alleged irregularities in the procurement of Mahindra Thar SUVs during the 2024–25 financial year. Acting on the Chief Minister’s zero‑tolerance policy towards corruption, the government has ordered a detailed probe covering all eight RCCF zones, informed Forest and Environment Minister Ganesh Ram Singh Khuntia on Tuesday.

#Bhubaneswar | Odisha Forest and Environment Minister Ganesh Ram Singh Khuntia said the procurement of Thar vehicles during the 2024–25 financial year is being investigated by the Crime Branch.

He said the Crime Branch took the relevant documents for investigation around a week… pic.twitter.com/LhifQVxbqA

— Argus News (@ArgusNews_in) August 25, 2026

According to Minister Khuntia, the Vigilance inquiry will scrutinise the purchase of 51 Thar vehicles, which were allegedly procured in irregular batches. He said that documents have already been seized by the Crime Branch and investigations are underway. “No officer, however senior, will be spared if irregularities are proven. Transparency and accountability will be ensured in every process,” the Minister asserted.

The government has emphasised that departmental work will strictly follow tender procedures, with efforts to streamline past complaints and ensure proper investigations. The move is seen as part of a broader push to instil discipline and restore credibility in the department’s functioning.

Khuntia also highlighted the BJP government’s performance over the past 2.5 years, claiming it has achieved more visible progress compared to the previous 24 years. He said the administration is committed to strengthening governance and delivering results across sectors.
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On the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, recently passed by Parliament, the Minister targeted the opposition for “misleading” criticism. He argued that opposing the legislation without understanding its provisions was unjustified, adding that the issue could be debated in the upcoming Assembly session. “We are prepared to discuss MMDR in the House. Opposition should not resist reforms without grasping the rules,” he remarked.

The developments underline the government’s twin focus: enforcing accountability in departmental operations while defending its legislative agenda against opposition attacks.