As the investigation into the disappearance of key files from the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) intensifies, questions are being raised in political and administrative circles over whether the probe has examined all individuals who were associated with the government’s IT ecosystem during the previous BJD administration. Among those being discussed of CMS Technology, a firm that reportedly provided IT consulting services to the previous state government. However, the Odisha Police have not publicly named  CMS Technology in the investigation, and no official allegation has been made against either.

The investigation centres on the alleged disappearance of two inquiry commission reports, including the Justice Naidu Commission report on the Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati murder case. So far, the probe has led to the questioning of former IT Secretary and former Officer on Special Duty (OSD) Manoj Mishra, while former IAS officer V.K. Pandian has been summoned to appear before investigators.

Former IT Secretary Appears Before Police

Former IT Secretary and ex-OSD to former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, Manoj Mishra, appeared before the Capital Police after being served a notice by the investigating officer. After recording his statement, Mishra told reporters that he had fully cooperated with the investigation and provided all information sought by the police.

“As the investigation is underway, it would not be appropriate to disclose the details publicly,” Mishra said.

The Odisha Police are probing the disappearance of official records after the Home Department lodged an FIR over the missing commission reports.

Pandian Summoned as Probe Widens

Former IAS officer V.K. Pandian, who served as the private secretary to former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, has been directed to appear before the ACP, Zone-I, Capital Police Station on July 25. Investigators are examining the movement and custody of official files following the change of government in June 2024, when records from the CMO were reportedly transferred back to the Home Department.

Former Chief Secretary Rajesh Verma has also been served a notice. According to officials, he informed investigators that he was unable to appear due to ill health.

Fresh Questions Over OCAC Visit

Another aspect that has drawn attention is Manoj Mishra’s reported visit to the Odisha Computer Application Centre (OCAC) on June 6, 2024, after his resignation as IT Secretary. Questions are being raised over who accompanied him during the visit, which OCAC officials were present, and whether any official records, digital storage devices or computer systems were accessed during that period.

The alleged disappearance of certain hard disks, official files and other important documents after that period has also become a matter of public discussion. However, investigators have not publicly linked Mishra’s visit to the missing records, and no official findings have been released on this aspect of the investigation.

Investigation Continues

Police Commissioner Suresh Dev Datta Singh has said the investigation has made significant progress. Revenue Minister Suresh Pujari stated that investigators are tracing the movement of the missing files step by step to establish the chain of custody and determine responsibility.

The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities have not disclosed whether the missing documents, hard disks or other official records have been recovered or whether any criminal liability has been established. Officials say further questioning and examination of records will continue as investigators seek to determine how the commission reports went missing from government custody.

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