The investigation into the disappearance of the Naidu Commission file from the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) has intensified, with the Capital Police issuing a summons to former IAS officer V.K. Pandian for questioning.

According to the notice, V. Kartikeyan Pandian has been directed to appear before the ACP, Zone-I, Capital Police Station, by 11 am on July 25 in connection with the ongoing investigation into the missing file.

Pandian served as the private secretary to former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik for several years. Following the change of government in 2024, official files from the Chief Minister’s Office were reportedly transferred back to the Home Department. However, the file related to the Naidu Commission of Inquiry was allegedly not returned, prompting a police investigation.

Investigators are examining whether Pandian had any role in the disappearance or handling of the file before the transfer of records.

Earlier, police had issued notices to two former senior officials in the case. Former IAS officer Manoj Mishra appeared before investigators and recorded his statement. Sources indicate that information gathered during his questioning may have provided fresh leads, leading to the summons issued to Pandian.

Meanwhile, former Chief Secretary Rajesh Verma, who was also served a notice, has not yet appeared before the police. Officials said he informed the investigating agency that he was unable to attend due to ill health.

Police Commissioner Suresh Dev Datta Singh said the investigation has made significant progress and that officials have briefed Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on the latest developments in the case.

“The investigation is continuing and substantial progress has been made,” the Police Commissioner said.

Revenue Minister Suresh Pujari also commented on the investigation, stating that some of the individuals identified by the police are currently unwell, including a person whose name had surfaced in media reports in connection with the missing file.

He said investigators would continue tracing the movement of the file step by step to determine how it left the Home Department and identify those responsible.

“The investigation will proceed sequentially. Once the chain is fully established, responsibility for the disappearance of the file will become clear,” the minister said.

The disappearance of the Naidu Commission file has emerged as a politically significant issue in Odisha, with the police continuing their probe to determine the circumstances under which the document went missing and whether any procedural violations or criminal offences were involved.

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