Missing Files from CMO;Retired IAS Officer Rajesh Verma, Ex-IT Secretary Summoned by Police(!).

Manoj Kanta Dash,Odishabarta

Bhubanesar:The probe into the disappearance of two sensitive investigation reports from the Odisha Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) has intensified, 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 Capital Police Station at 11 AM on July 22 as part of the ongoing investigation.

The case relates to the alleged disappearance of investigation reports on the Laxmanananda Saraswati murder case and the SUM Hospital fire tragedy.

 According to official records, all files were returned from the CMO to the Home Department on June 4, 2024. However, the two reports were reportedly missing when the files were received.

Following the discovery, an FIR was registered at Capital Police Station, leading to a criminal investigation. Police had earlier conducted an extensive search at Lok Seva Bhavan to trace the missing documents and collect evidence.

Cops are expected to question Verma and Mishra about the handling and movement of the files during their tenure and determine whether they possess any information that could aid the probe.

#agencies