Bhubaneswar, Dec. 23 -- Odisha forest and environment minister Ganesh Ram Singh Khuntia has ordered a special audit into alleged irregularities in the controversial purchase and customisation of 51 Mahindra Thar worth Rs.12.02 crore.

Khuntia directed the additional chief secretary of the forest, environment and climate change department to fast-track the special audit by the accountant general (A&E), Odisha, leaving no scope for delay in probing what has become a political flashpoint in the state.

The vehicles were bought for Rs.7 crore, with each vehicle priced at Rs.14 lakh. However, an additional Rs.5.02 crore was later spent on renovating and modifying the vehicles, the minister had informed.

A senior official familiar with the mat...