Odisha Crime Branch advances probe against former 5T secretary VK Pandian

Trouble appears to be mounting for former 5T secretary VK Pandian as the Odisha Crime Branch stepped up its investigation into allegations made against him. The Bharatiya Bikash Parishad submitted documents, electronic records, and several other supporting documents before the investigating agency on Thursday.

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The development comes after a notice was issued to Parishad president Surendra Panigrahi as part of the probe into a complaint earlier submitted to the state Home Secretary on February 8, 2024. The Crime Branch is examining the authenticity of allegations related to alleged violations of the Odisha Government Rules of Business, 1956, during VK Pandian’s tenure as the 5T secretary.

Panigrahi has claimed that Biju Janata Dal (BJD) leader Pandian misused government authority while attending various meetings and public events. The complaint also alleges that large amounts of public funds were spent on helicopter tours and official programmes during his tenure in office.

Additional allegations have also been attached to the submission as part of the ongoing inquiry.

“I have submitted all evidences which I had with me against VK Pandian, the former private secretary (PS to Naveen Patnaik) during his tenure for nearly 12 years, and then illegally as the 5-T secretary and chairman during subsequent times. He had hijacked our (erstwhile) chief minister. He had ‘enslaved’ the entire State,” Surendra Panigrahi said.

“I submitted the evidences to IO (investigating officer) Santosh Gouda today at the Office of DSP Crime Branch, Odisha,” the Bharatiya Bikash Parishad president added.