Bhubaneswar, 18 July (H.S.): Former Odisha IT Secretary Manoj Mishra appeared before the Capital Police Station in Bhubaneswar for questioning in connection with the disappearance of the Justice A.S. Naidu Commission report on the 2008 Kandhamal violence, which followed the killing of Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati. The case has triggered significant political debate, as it involves missing official records related to a sensitive episode in the state’s history.

Mishra responded to an earlier police summons seeking clarification on the circumstances under which the crucial documents allegedly went missing from official custody. Retired IAS officer Rajesh Verma has also been summoned in connection with the case.

The Odisha Police had issued formal notices to both Mishra and Verma on July 15, directing them to appear by July 22, 2026. During the tenure of former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, both officers held key administrative positions linked to the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO). While Verma served within the CMO, Mishra, a former Indian Railway Traffic Service officer, was posted as Principal Secretary in the Electronics and Information Technology Department under the previous Biju Janata Dal government.

Officials indicated that the investigation has a broad scope and may involve questioning individuals who were responsible for handling, processing, or maintaining official records in the CMO during the relevant period. Authorities have not ruled out further rounds of interrogation as the probe progresses.

After his appearance, Mishra briefly addressed the media, stating that he is fully cooperating with the investigation. He noted that questioning of CMO officials is part of standard procedure and declined to provide further details, citing the ongoing nature of the inquiry.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda