By Our Correspondent
BHUBANESWAR: The Police Commission of Bhubaneswar-Katak has issued a notice for appearance to Former 5T Chairman and ex-BJD leader VK Pandian in connection with the investigation into the alleged disappearance of two inquiry commission reports from the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) during the tenure of the previous BJD government.
Had this happened a little earlier, the seriousness of the incident would have increased, but after sitting with our hands tied for so long and ex CM Naveen Patnaik suddenly demanding Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation, summoning Tamil Sanyashi Pandian later suggests something different.
Huge corruptions made in WATCO under his so called 5T and another Tamil Secretary G Mathivathanan who continued for 12 years in H&UD department uninterrupted.. All 24×7 Water Supply Projects executed in between 2020-2024 are complete mockery at present. .All Culprits should be taken into task.
If VK Pandian does not appear before the police as summoned, the immediate consequences would likely be limited but could escalate depending on the investigation’s progress and police/court actions.
Police (Capital Police Station, Bhubaneswar) have summoned VK Pandian (former IAS officer, Private Secretary to ex-CM Naveen Patnaik, and ex-BJD leader) to appear on July 25, 2026, at 1 PM before the investigating officer (ACP Zone 1) for examination in the missing CMO files case.
This relates to an FIR registered in June 2026 over the alleged disappearance of two key inquiry reports from the Chief Minister’s Office during the 2024 government transition (BJD to BJP): the Justice A.S. Naidu Commission report (on the 2008 murder of Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati and subsequent Kandhamal violence) and another on the SUM Hospital fire.
The FIR alleges possible criminal breach of trust, concealment/destruction of official records, theft, and conspiracy (under relevant Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita/BNS sections). Police are probing custody, handling procedures, and motives. Other officials have been questioned.
Pandian is being treated as a person acquainted with facts (a witness or potential suspect in the chain of custody), not necessarily an accused yet.
Likely Outcomes if He Doesn’t Appear
Initial Police Response (Most Probable Short-Term): Police can issue a fresh summons or a more formal notice. Non-compliance with a police summons/notice under investigation (e.g., under BNSS Section 35 or equivalent) doesn’t automatically lead to arrest but can be treated as uncooperative behavior.
They may record his non-appearance and seek more evidence from other sources (e.g., other CMO/staff records, digital trails).
In practice, for high-profile cases, police often escalate by approaching courts rather than immediate arrest.
Court Involvement and Coercive Steps: Police can approach a Magistrate for bailable warrants to compel appearance. If ignored further, non-bailable warrants (NBW) could follow, allowing arrest.
Repeated non-appearance could lead to proceedings under BNS Section 208 (non-attendance in obedience to a public servant’s order): up to 1 month simple imprisonment and/or fine (higher if court-related).
In serious cases involving official records/conspiracy, courts may declare him a proclaimed offender (under BNSS/CrPC equivalents) if he absconds, leading to property attachment risks.
Political and Investigative Fallout: This would intensify political controversy in Odisha (BJP vs. BJD fallout over the “missing” sensitive report on conversions, Naxal links, etc., in the Laxmanananda case). BJP leaders have already accused the previous regime of suppression.
It could strengthen demands for a CBI probe into the original 2008 murder (already petitioned in Orissa HC). Non-cooperation might portray him unfavourably and lead to more allegations or parallel probes (e.g., existing ones on his 5T role).
Media scrutiny and public perception would rise, especially given Pandian’s influential past role.
Defenses and Practical Realities: He could seek anticipatory bail, challenge the summons legally (e.g., if it lacks full FIR details), or appear through a lawyer/authorized representative in some contexts. Courts sometimes quash coercive steps if the summons is vague.
High-profile individuals often delay via legal routes, but prolonged evasion risks arrest and custody for questioning.
Police have already questioned others (like officials); the probe focuses on procedures around June 2024 file transfers.
In summary: Short-term, it delays the probe and invites more summons/warrants. Longer-term, it risks arrest, legal penalties, and heavier political damage. Police/courts usually prefer compliance first in such administrative disappearance cases rather than immediate arrest, but deliberate non-appearance can change that. Outcomes depend on evidence gathered and court discretion. This remains an ongoing investigation. For the latest, check reliable Odisha news sources.
However, two other former IAS officers were also summoned in the same missing CMO files case (related to the Naidu Commission report on Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati’s murder and the SUM Hospital fire report).
Details of the Summons
Manoj Mishra (former IT Secretary): Summoned earlier; he appeared before investigators on July 18, 2026, and cooperated. He shared information on file maintenance procedures.
Rajesh Verma (retired IAS officer, served as Principal Secretary in the CMO from 2017 to 2019): Summoned earlier; his scheduled appearance was around July 22, 2026, but he did not appear. He is currently Chairperson of the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in New Delhi.
VK Pandian (2000-batch IAS, ex-Private Secretary to Naveen Patnaik) was summoned later and asked to appear on July 25, 2026. Police are questioning officials about custody, handling, and movement of files around the 2024 government transition.
Mishra has already cooperated, so his part is addressed for now. Verma’s non-appearance (and potential similar action by Pandian) could lead to follow-up summons, warrants (bailable then non-bailable), or court proceedings under relevant BNS sections for non-compliance.
Police are building a picture of official procedures and responsibility. Non-cooperation may prolong the probe and invite more scrutiny, but it doesn’t automatically make someone an accused. This remains part of the broader political controversy. The investigation is ongoing via Capital Police (with a special team).
