VK Pandian summoned by Odisha Police on July 25 over missing CMO inquiry reports
Synopsis
Odisha Police have summoned VK Pandian — the most prominent face of the previous BJD government after Naveen Patnaik himself — to appear before investigators on 25 July over the alleged disappearance of two inquiry reports from the CMO. The case implicates the inner workings of a government that ruled Odisha for 24 years and raises pointed questions about what happened to findings on a religious leader's killing and a fatal hospital fire.
Key Takeaways
Karthikeya Pandian , former IAS officer and close aide of BJD president Naveen Patnaik , has been summoned by Odisha Commissionerate Police to appear on 25 July 2026 .
The case ( Capital Police Station Case No.
460/26 ) was registered on 10 June 2026 over the alleged disappearance of two inquiry reports from the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) .
The missing reports are the Justice A.S.
Naidu Commission report on the killing of Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati in Kandhamal and the RDC report on the SUM Hospital fire in Bhubaneswar.
Former Odisha IT Secretary Manoj Kumar Mishra appeared before investigators on 18 July and recorded his statement.
Retired IAS officer Rajesh Verma reportedly failed to appear before police despite being served a notice.
V. Karthikeya Pandian, former IAS officer and close aide of Biju Janata Dal (BJD) president Naveen Patnaik, has been served a notice by the Commissionerate Police in Bhubaneswar, directing him to appear before an investigating officer on 25 July in connection with the alleged disappearance of two inquiry commission reports from the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) during the previous BJD government.
The Case at the Centre
Capital Police Station Case No. 460/26 was registered on 10 June 2026, following a complaint lodged by the Home Department of Odisha. The case concerns the alleged disappearance of two sensitive reports: the Justice A.S. Naidu Commission report on the killing of Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati and others at Jaleshpeta Ashram in Kandhamal district, and the Revenue Divisional Commissioner (RDC) inquiry report on the fatal fire at SUM Hospital and Medical College in Bhubaneswar.
What the Notice Says
The notice issued by the investigating officer states that, based on information gathered during the investigation, Pandian 'may be acquainted with the facts and circumstances' of the case. He has been directed to appear before the Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), Zone-I, Bhubaneswar, at 11 a.m. on 25 July for examination and to cooperate fully with the probe. The notice also requires him to bring any documents, records, electronic devices, or other materials relevant to the investigation that may be in his possession or control.
Earlier Notices and Compliance
Pandian is not the first former official to receive a summons in this case. The Commissionerate Police had previously served notices on retired IAS officer Rajesh Verma and former Odisha IT Secretary Manoj Kumar Mishra. Mishra appeared before the investigating officer on 18 July and recorded his statement. Verma, however, reportedly failed to appear despite being directed to report to Capital Police Station by 11 a.m. on the designated day.
Significance of the Missing Reports
The two reports at the heart of the case carry considerable political and legal weight. The Justice A.S. Naidu Commission was constituted to investigate the killing of a prominent religious figure, while the RDC report examined a hospital fire that claimed multiple lives — both incidents that generated significant public and judicial scrutiny during the BJD's tenure. The alleged disappearance of these documents from the CMO has raised questions about institutional accountability within the previous administration.
What Comes Next
Pandian's appearance — or absence — on 25 July is likely to determine the pace of the investigation. With one key witness already having skipped his summons, investigators may escalate legal measures if compliance is not forthcoming. The case is being closely watched as it touches the inner circle of the previous Odisha government.
Point of View
Which makes his potential testimony consequential beyond the immediate case. The alleged disappearance of reports on two high-profile tragedies — a religious leader's killing and a hospital fire — from the CMO is not a routine administrative lapse; it suggests deliberate concealment, though that remains to be established in court. The pattern of non-compliance by Rajesh Verma also signals that key witnesses may be unwilling to cooperate, which could force investigators to seek judicial intervention sooner than anticipated.
NationPress
23 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why has VK Pandian been summoned by Odisha Police?
Pandian has been summoned because investigators believe he 'may be acquainted with the facts and circumstances' of the alleged disappearance of two inquiry commission reports from the Chief Minister's Office during the previous BJD government. He is directed to appear before the ACP, Zone-I, Bhubaneswar, at 11 a.m. on 25 July 2026.
Which reports are alleged to have gone missing from the Odisha CMO?
The two missing reports are the Justice A.S. Naidu Commission report on the killing of Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati and others at Jaleshpeta Ashram in Kandhamal district, and the Revenue Divisional Commissioner (RDC) inquiry report on the fire at SUM Hospital and Medical College in Bhubaneswar.
When was the Odisha CMO missing reports case registered?
Capital Police Station Case No. 460/26 was registered on 10 June 2026, based on a complaint filed by the Odisha Home Department regarding the alleged disappearance of the two inquiry reports.
Who else has been served notices in this case?
Retired IAS officer Rajesh Verma and former Odisha IT Secretary Manoj Kumar Mishra were also served notices. Mishra appeared before investigators on 18 July and recorded his statement, while Verma reportedly did not appear on his designated date.
What happens if VK Pandian does not appear before Odisha Police on July 25?
The notice requires compliance 'in accordance with law.' If Pandian fails to appear, investigators could escalate to legal measures including a formal summons under the Code of Criminal Procedure or seek judicial direction to compel his presence, particularly given that another witness has already skipped his summons.
