Bhubaneswar: The investigation into the disappearance of two sensitive investigation reports from the Odisha Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) has gathered pace, with the Commissionerate Police summoning retired IAS officer Rajesh Verma and former IT Secretary Manoj Mishra for questioning.
Both former officials have been directed to appear before the Capital Police Station at 11 a.m. on July 22 as part of the ongoing criminal investigation into the missing documents.
Two Sensitive Investigation Reports Missing
The case pertains to the alleged disappearance of investigation reports related to two high-profile cases:
- The Laxmanananda Saraswati murder case
- The SUM Hospital tragedy
According to official records, all files were returned from the Chief Minister’s Office to the Home Department on June 4, 2024. However, when the Home Department received the files, the two investigation reports were reportedly missing.
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FIR Registered, Police Probe Underway
Following the discovery of the missing reports, an FIR was registered at the Capital Police Station, triggering a criminal investigation.
As part of the probe, Commissionerate Police had earlier conducted an extensive search at Lok Seva Bhavan, the Odisha government’s administrative headquarters, in an effort to trace the missing documents and gather evidence.
Former Officials to Be Questioned
Investigators are expected to question Rajesh Verma and Manoj Mishra regarding the handling, movement and custody of the files during their tenure in the government.
Police are also likely to ascertain whether the two former officials possess any information that could help establish how the sensitive investigation reports went missing from the CMO records.
The investigation is continuing, and officials are yet to disclose whether any further summons or arrests are likely in the case.
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