Security tightened ahead of CM’s visit

Security has been beefed up in the trouble-torn Koraput and Malkangiri districts ahead of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik’s visit on Thursday. State Police and paramilitary forces have been put on high alert at both places to avoid any untoward incident.

With Vijaypat Singhania, a noted Industrialist, accompanying Naveen, speculations are rife that the Chief Minister would announce setting up of some industries in Koraput.

Laxmipur BJD MLA Jhina Hikaka, who was abducted by the Maoists on March 24, is also likely to accompany Naveen during his visit to Koraput, sources said.

The Chief Minister is also expected to attend various government programmes in both the districts.

In Koraput, Collector Sachin Ramchandra Jadhav and SP Avinash Kumar held a meeting to chalk out the details of the security arrangements. Malkangiri Collector M Muthu Kumar and SP Akhileswar Singh also held a meeting in the wake of Naveen’s visit.