Odisha Crime Branch Probes Missing CMO Files Justice Naidu & SUM Hospital Reports

The Odisha Crime Branch has initiated an investigation into the disappearance of crucial files from the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO).

The missing documents include the Justice Naidu Commission’s report on the Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati murder and subsequent communal violence, as well as the RDC inquiry report on the Bhubaneswar SUM Hospital fire tragedy.

Authorities suspect deliberate suppression of evidence, as most CMO files were returned to the Home Department on June 4, 2024—the day of the general election results—except these two sensitive reports.

Acting on the Chief Minister’s directive, the Crime Branch registered a case at Capital Police Station under multiple IPC sections.

DSP Ashutosh Mishra has been assigned to lead the probe, with Crime Branch SP Aniruddha Rautaray overseeing the investigation.

The inquiry aims to determine whether the files were intentionally removed and to trace accountability for the missing records.