An RTI activist has filed a formal complaint with the highest offices in the country and state, demanding a thorough investigation into the alleged wasteful expenditure of Rs 20.7 lakhs for constructing temporary helipads for the President of India's visit to Sabarimala. The incident, which saw the presidential helicopter's wheels sinking into fresh concrete, has sparked allegations of financial irregularities and last-minute mismanagement.
Formal Complaint Lodged for Vigilance Probe
RTI activist Rasheed Anappara from Kottayam submitted the complaint to the President of India, the Kerala Chief Minister, the Revenue Minister, and the State Vigilance Director. The complaint centers on the administrative approval granted for constructing three helipads at the Pramadam Indoor Stadium in Pathanamthitta at a cost of Rs 20.7 lakh. This was for the visit of President Droupadi Murmu on October 22.
Anappara's complaint explicitly calls for an investigation to determine whether there was any corruption, embezzlement of funds, or unnecessary expenditure in these construction works. He has demanded that if any wrongdoing is found, necessary legal actions must be taken to recover the misused amount for the government treasury.
Last-Minute Chaos and the Sinking Chopper
The controversy gained traction due to an embarrassing operational hiccup. Owing to inclement weather, the President's landing location was shifted at the last moment from Nilackal to the Pramadam Indoor Stadium. This necessitated the hurried construction of the helipads.
Soon after President Murmu disembarked, the tyres of the helicopter sank slightly into the freshly laid concrete. The situation required police and other personnel to physically push the chopper's wheels out of the caved-in portion, highlighting potential issues with the hurried construction quality and planning.
Swift Political Action and Lingering Suspicions
Following the complaint, the Chief Minister and the Revenue Minister instructed the Pathanamthitta District Collector to probe the allegations and submit a detailed report. This move indicates the seriousness with which the state government is treating the allegations of financial impropriety.
However, Rasheed Anappara has expressed further suspicion over the fact that the helipads were reportedly demolished soon after the district collector was asked for a report. This action, he implies, could potentially hinder a transparent investigation by removing the physical evidence.
The complaint also brings under scrutiny another substantial expenditure: an administrative approval of Rs 3.99 crore for the renovation of the election department office building within the district collectorate. The activist's appeal suggests a broader vigilance scan into significant public expenditures in the district.
Broader Implications for Public Expenditure
This incident raises critical questions about the protocols and due diligence followed for last-minute arrangements during high-profile visits. It underscores the role of RTI activists and citizens in holding authorities accountable for public spending, especially when it involves large sums for temporary infrastructure. The outcome of the district collector's probe will be closely watched, as it could set a precedent for how such expenditures are sanctioned and audited in the future.
