Bhubaneshwar (23.07.2026): The Odisha Police have summoned V K Pandian (Retd IAS: 2000: OD) and Biju Janata Dal (BJD) leader for questioning in connection with the alleged disappearance of two inquiry commission reports related to 2008 killing of Hindu leader Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati and 2016 SUM Hospital fire in Bhubaneswar from the Chief Minister’s office.

A notice has been issued directing Pandian to appear before the assistant commissioner of police, Zone-I, on July 25. Pandian served as private secretary to former chief minister Naveen Patnaik before taking voluntary retirement. He joined the BJD ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha and Assembly elections.

Reportedly, the summons is part of a widening probe into the disappearance of the Justice A S Naidu Commission report on the 2008 killing of Hindu leader Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati and his aides, and the Revenue Divisional Commissioner’s inquiry report on the 2016 SUM Hospital fire in Bhubaneswar.

Police had earlier issued notices to former IT secretary Manoj Mishra (Retd IRTS: 2000) and Rajesh Verma (Retd IAS: 1987: OD). Mishra appeared before investigators and recorded his statement, while Verma did not appear despite being asked to do so.

 

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