The investigation into the alleged disappearance of official files from the Odisha Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) gathered pace on Tuesday, with a three-member team of the Crime Branch arriving at the Capital Police Station to take over the probe.

Acting on the government’s directive, the Crime Branch has formally begun its investigation into the missing files case. As part of the probe, the agency will obtain and examine all documents, records and investigation reports prepared earlier by the Commissionerate Police.

The focus is now on the next course of action against officials who failed to appear before investigators despite being served notices. It remains unclear whether the Crime Branch will issue fresh notices or directly summon and question the officers as part of the ongoing investigation.

Former IT Secretary Manoj Mishra has already appeared before the Capital Police in connection with the case. However, former 5T Secretary V.K. Pandian, former IAS officers Rajesh Verma and Upendra Behera have not yet appeared before the investigating agency despite earlier notices.

The Crime Branch is expected to decide when and how these key individuals will be questioned. Investigators are also likely to examine their roles and gather additional evidence to determine the sequence of events surrounding the disappearance of the files.

The investigation is also expected to focus on identifying the alleged mastermind, if any, behind the disappearance of the files and uncovering whether the incident was the result of a larger conspiracy. The findings of the Crime Branch probe are expected to play a crucial role in determining accountability in one of Odisha’s most closely watched investigations.