Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has constituted a high-level inquiry committee following allegations that two Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officers were subjected to “unwarranted treatment” and forcibly removed from the Lok Bhavan premises.
The incident, which occurred on Thursday, has triggered concern within administrative circles, prompting swift action from the Governor’s office.
Incident During Official Visit to Lok Bhavan
According to official sources, the two IRS officers—belonging to the 2015 and 2023 batches—had accompanied Principal Chief Commissioner of Income Tax D. Sudhakara Rao to Lok Bhavan.
Dr. Rao, who assumed office on April 13, had gone for a courtesy meeting with Odisha Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati, while the two officers were waiting outside the premises as part of official protocol arrangements.
Allegations of Misconduct and Forced Removal
The situation escalated when, as per allegations, the two officers were subjected to “unwarranted behaviour” by security personnel and the Aide-de-Camp (ADC)—an IPS officer of the 2021 batch.
Sources indicate that the officers were allegedly:
- Treated as unauthorised entrants
- Forcibly removed from the premises in a police vehicle
- Taken to the Capital Police Station
Additionally, allegations were made that the officers were in an inebriated condition, which police later clarified to be false and baseless.
Principal Chief Commissioner Raises Concern
Expressing strong concern over the incident, Dr. D. Sudhakara Rao formally wrote to the Governor’s Secretariat.
In his letter, he termed the incident “particularly galling,” stating:
The officers were on official duty under my direct instructions but were treated as unauthorised entrants. False aspersions regarding their sobriety were also cast, which were later proven baseless.
He further described the incident as “high-handedness” and an affront to the dignity of civil servants, urging authorities to ensure accountability and prevent recurrence.
Four-Member Committee Formed
Acting on the complaint, the Lok Bhavan authorities constituted a four-member committee of senior officers on Friday to investigate the matter.
According to a senior official:
- The committee will examine both parties involved
- A report has been sought by Tuesday
- The findings will be submitted to the Governor for further action
Police Clarification: No Case Registered
Police sources confirmed that:
- The officers were indeed taken to the police station
- No formal case was registered against them
- The allegation of intoxication was not substantiated
Background: Entry Pass Issue Triggered Incident
Initial reports suggest that the incident may have been triggered due to an entry pass issue at the Lok Bhavan.
The officers were reportedly present to coordinate arrangements for Dr. Rao’s visit but were stopped by security personnel and the ADC due to the absence of valid entry passes.
While authorities initially described it as a “miscommunication,” the episode has raised broader concerns about the treatment of officers on official duty.
Administrative Concern Over Institutional Dignity
The episode has sparked debate within bureaucratic circles about protocol, coordination, and respect among government functionaries. Officials have emphasized that such incidents could strain inter-departmental relationsand undermine administrative decorum.
The outcome of the inquiry is now awaited, with expectations that it will clarify accountability and recommend corrective measures.
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