Missing CMO files : Former Odisha IT Secretary Manoj Mishra Appears Before Police
Mishra appeared before the investigating officers after police issued summons to him and retired IAS officer Rajesh Verma, asking them to cooperate with the probe.
Bhubaneswar : Former Odisha information technology secretary Manoj Mishra appeared before the Capital Police in Bhubaneswar on Saturday in connection with the investigation into the alleged disappearance of two sensitive files from the Chief Minister's Office (CMO).
Mishra appeared before the investigating officers after police issued summons to him and retired IAS officer Rajesh Verma, asking them to cooperate with the probe. The two former bureaucrats have been directed to appear before the police by July 22.
The case has sparked political controversy in Odisha after it emerged that while most official records in the CMO had been traced, two high-profile files remained unaccounted for.
According to official sources, the missing files relate to the investigation into the murder of Vishwa Hindu Parishad leader Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati and the 2016 SUM Hospital fire tragedy in Bhubaneswar.
Police officials said the investigation is continuing and that anyone found to have handled or been associated with the missing files could be questioned.
“We have summoned the concerned officials to assist the investigation. They have been asked to appear by July 22. We cannot disclose further details at this stage. They may be called again if required during the course of the investigation,” a police officer said.
Speaking to reporters after his questioning, Mishra said he was fully cooperating with the investigation.
“An FIR was registered after it was reported that two important files were missing from the CMO. As part of the investigation, police are questioning officials who were in charge of or associated with the CMO during the relevant period. We are extending full cooperation to the investigating agency. Since the probe is underway, it would not be appropriate to comment further,” he said.
Police have not disclosed whether any evidence has been recovered or whether further notices will be issued as the investigation progresses. The probe is continuing.
