Making a statement in the State Assembly in reply to a special mention moved by BJD members, Patnaik described the unscheduled visit as an “unfortunate” development and said the associates of Gandhi had drawn up the night visit programme in consultation with an NGO.

“The programme was conducted in severely naxal-infested area without informing the state authorities or the local police,” the Chief Minister said.

“It is learnt that Gandhi reached the village Kandha Pungar at 9 pm on March 7 and was present there till 11.30 pm.

It has also come to the notice of the state government that Gram Vikas, an NGO, and one S Kumar, a retired IAS officer of Meghalaya cadre and a member of Rajiv Gandhi Foundation, were involved in the arrangement of such a visit,” he said.

Describing the “unscheduled” programme as a clear violation of the instructions laid down in the circular issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Patnaik said the circular laid down that any programme undertaken in night time, especially in sensitive areas, necessary security arrangement should be made by the Superintendent of Police.

Similarly, Patnaik pointed out that the guidelines prescribe that regular contact with the district police authorities should be maintained by the escort party of the visiting VIP.