CMO File Missing Case / File Theft from CMO Sparks Political Storm in Odisha

Bhubaneswar, Aug 5: The alleged theft of files from the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) has triggered a political storm in Odisha, with the ruling BJP and opposition BJD locked in a war of words as the Crime Branch intensifies its probe.

The controversy escalated after Crime Branch officials raided the residence of BN Maharana, a former clerk in the CMO during Naveen Patnaik’s tenure. The five‑hour raid, led by DSP Ashutosh Mishra, involved extensive questioning and has left the BJD rattled. Party leaders allege the government is staging a “file theft drama” to malign them.

Opposition Chief Whip Pramila Mallik accused the government of fabricating the incident to cover up its own failures, claiming the narrative was designed to tarnish the BJD’s image. BJP legislator Babu Singh dismissed her allegations, insisting that the people of Odisha have the right to know who is responsible for the missing files. He maintained that the investigation must proceed unhindered, with officials summoned to police stations as required.

Crime Branch DG Binaytosh Mishra said the probe is being conducted using technical methods, with multiple individuals likely to face interrogation in the coming days. He clarified that the investigation would determine who emerges as a witness, suspect, or accused, and emphasized that no one can evade questioning once their involvement surfaces.
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The investigation has already drawn parallels with other high‑profile cases, including the textbook printing scam, where nearly 240 individuals were listed for questioning. Officials say the current probe will similarly unfold in phases, guided by technical scrutiny.

As the inquiry gathers pace, the file theft case has become a political flashpoint, sharpening tensions between the ruling BJP and the opposition BJD. For Odisha, the outcome of the probe will not only determine accountability but also test the state’s commitment to transparency and governance.