Investigation – Bhubaneswar Police Summon VK Pandian Over Alleged Missing CMO Files
Investigation – Authorities in Odisha have intensified their probe into the alleged disappearance of key official documents from the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) during the previous Biju Janata Dal (BJD) administration, with former IAS officer VK Pandian being asked to appear before investigators.
The Bhubaneswar-Cuttack Police Commissionerate has served a formal notice to former bureaucrat VK Pandian, directing him to appear before the investigating officer on July 25 as part of an ongoing inquiry into the reported disappearance of important government files. The notice, issued by the Capital Police Station on July 22, requires Pandian to report to the Office of the Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), Zone I, in Bhubaneswar at 11 a.m. and assist officials with the investigation.
Police Seek Cooperation in Ongoing Inquiry
According to the notice, investigators believe Pandian may possess information relevant to the case and have therefore requested his presence for examination. The police have also instructed him to cooperate fully with the investigation, which is being conducted under the provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Officials have further asked the former IAS officer to bring along any records, documents, electronic devices, or other materials that may be connected to the investigation and are currently in his possession or control. The notice makes it clear that the request has been issued strictly as part of the legal investigation process and is expected to be complied with in accordance with the law.
Case Linked to Alleged Missing Inquiry Reports
The investigation revolves around the alleged disappearance of two significant judicial inquiry reports from the Odisha Chief Minister’s Office during the tenure of the previous BJD government.
One of the missing documents is the report prepared by the AS Naidu Commission, which examined the 2008 killing of Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati and several others at the Jaleshpeta Ashram in Kandhamal district. The second document is an inquiry report prepared at the Revenue Divisional Commissioner (RDC) level concerning the devastating fire incident at SUM Hospital and Medical College in Bhubaneswar.
Both reports are considered important official records, and investigators are examining the circumstances under which they allegedly went missing.
Notice Refers to Registered Criminal Case
The summons is connected to Capital Police Station Case No. 460, registered on June 10, 2026. The case has been filed under Sections 305, 316(2), 238(c), 241, and 61(2)(b) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
In the notice, the investigating officer stated that information gathered during the course of the investigation suggested that Pandian could be familiar with facts and circumstances related to the case. Based on this assessment, he has been requested to appear before the investigating authority for questioning.
The document also reiterates that the appearance is intended solely for the purpose of investigation and that cooperation with the legal process is expected.
Investigation Continues Under Capital Police Station
The notice has been issued by the investigating officer attached to the Capital Police Station, who is also serving as the Additional Inspector-in-Charge (IIC). The inquiry is being supervised within the jurisdiction of the Bhubaneswar Urban Police District.
At present, police have not disclosed further details regarding the progress of the investigation or whether additional individuals may be questioned as part of the probe. Authorities continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the alleged disappearance of the official records while following the legal procedures laid down under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.