Odisha CID Launches Investigation into Missing Reports Related to 2008 Communal Violence

The Odisha Crime Branch has commenced an investigation into the disappearance of reports linked to the 2008 communal violence in Kandhamal, following orders from Chief Minister Mohan Chandra Majhi. The case, previously handled by the Bhubaneswar-Cuttack Police, has raised suspicions of deliberate concealment of documents. Allegations have surfaced regarding the involvement of former IAS officers during the BJD's governance, leading to a political uproar as the BJD accuses the BJP government of suppressing critical information to distract from pressing issues. The CID is now tasked with uncovering the truth behind these missing reports.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 28, 2026, 14:06 IST

Investigation Initiated by Odisha CID

On July 28, the Crime Branch of Odisha Police has officially opened an investigation into the disappearance of the inquiry report concerning the murder of Vishwa Hindu Parishad leader Laxmanananda Saraswati and the subsequent communal violence in Kandhamal in 2008. At the time of these events, the state was governed by the Biju Janata Dal (BJD). Previously, the investigation was being conducted by the Bhubaneswar-Cuttack Police Commissionerate.

Transfer of Investigation to CID

Chief Minister Mohan Chandra Majhi ordered the transfer of the case to the CID on Monday. A complaint regarding the missing report was filed at the capital police station on June 10, which was under the jurisdiction of the police commissionerate. The FIR was lodged based on a complaint from Sharat Chandra Marandi, the Joint Secretary of the Home Department.

Circumstances Surrounding the Missing Reports

The complainant expressed concerns that the circumstances surrounding the disappearance of both reports suggest that the documents may have been deliberately removed, hidden, destroyed, or otherwise misused. Officials noted that the Chief Minister assigned the case to the CID after three former IAS officers—VK Pandian, UN Behera, and Rajesh Verma—failed to appear before the investigating officer despite being summoned for questioning.

Political Context and Allegations

It is alleged that the reports from two inquiry commissions went missing during a political transition in June 2024 when the BJD lost power and the BJP took over the state government. These three former IAS officers were stationed in the Chief Minister's office during the BJD's tenure when Justice AS Naidu's commission submitted its report in 2016. The CID has registered a case under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) on the directive of the Director General of CID.

Charges Filed and Investigation Oversight

The charges include theft, criminal breach of trust, destruction of evidence, and conspiracy. CID Deputy Superintendent of Police Ashutosh Mishra has been assigned to lead the investigation, while CID Superintendent of Police Anirudh Rautray will oversee the progress of the inquiry. Additionally, it has come to light that the revenue divisional commissioner's report on the 2016 Sum Hospital fire incident is also missing from the Chief Minister's office.

Political Controversy Erupts

Following the disappearance of the files, a political controversy has emerged in Odisha, particularly concerning the Naidu commission's report related to the Kandhamal violence, which has never been made public. The BJD has accused the BJP government of suppressing the reports to divert public attention from issues such as errors in textbooks, rising crime rates, and fertilizer shortages.