Bhubaneswar: In a surprising incident in Bhubaneswar, two young Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officers were stopped by security personnel at the Raj Bhavan and briefly taken to a police station, triggering concern within the tax department. While authorities later termed it a “miscommunication,” a senior Income Tax official described the episode as “deeply distressing” and raised serious questions over the treatment of officers on official duty.
IRS Officers Stopped at Raj Bhavan Over Entry Pass Issue
According to Indian Express, the incident occurred on Thursday at the Lok Bhavan premises, where the two IRS officers had been deputed to coordinate the visit of the Principal Chief Commissioner of Income Tax (PCCIT), Odisha.
According to sources, the officers were present as part of official arrangements for PCCIT D Sudhakara Rao, who was scheduled to meet Odisha Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati.
However, the officers reportedly did not possess entry passes, leading to their interception by Raj Bhavan security personnel and the aide-de-camp (ADC).
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Taken to Police Station in Security Escalation
Following the initial confrontation, security staff alerted local police. The two officers were subsequently taken in a police vehicle to the Capital Police Station in Bhubaneswar.
A senior police officer later clarified that no formal complaint was filed against the officers.
“The incident happened due to a miscommunication. The two officers were immediately allowed to go once they revealed their identity. Also, there was no formal complaint against them. Hence, no case was registered,” the officer said.
PCCIT Calls Incident ‘Deeply Distressing’
Reacting strongly to the development, PCCIT D Sudhakara Rao wrote a formal letter to the Governor’s office, expressing serious concern over the conduct of security personnel.
In his communication to Commissioner-cum-Secretary Roopa Roshan Sahoo, Rao stated that the officers were performing official duties under his direct instructions.
He alleged that despite prior coordination and advance intimation to the Governor’s office, including informing the Officer on Special Duty (OSD) and ADC about their presence, the officers were subjected to:
- “Unprovoked and atrocious treatment”
- Forced removal from the premises
- Transportation to a police station without justification
Allegations of ‘Unauthorized Entry’ and Misconduct
The PCCIT further noted that the officers were treated as “unauthorized entrants,” even though they were part of an official delegation.
He also raised concerns over alleged remarks questioning the officers’ sobriety—claims he said were proven baseless once they reached the police station.
Importantly, Rao highlighted that other support staff and drivers accompanying the delegation were not disturbed, raising questions about selective action.
‘Affront to Dignity of Civil Servants’
In a strongly worded statement, the PCCIT termed the episode as an affront to the dignity of civil servants.
He emphasized that such treatment of officers on official duty undermines institutional respect and could impact administrative functioning.
Governor’s Office Yet to Respond
When contacted, Roopa Roshan Sahoo stated that she would comment only after verifying the details of the incident.
Meanwhile, the Raj Bhavan, in a post on X, confirmed that PCCIT D Sudhakara Rao had met Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati and held discussions on tax administration and public service delivery.
Protocol Lapses
While officials have attributed the episode to a “miscommunication,” the incident has sparked concern over protocol lapses and the treatment of government officers. With a senior tax official formally raising the matter, the episode may prompt a review of security procedures at high-profile government establishments like Raj Bhavan.
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