Odisha Police begin probe into alleged violation of power by aide of Naveen Patnaik

The Crime Branch of Odisha Police has begun investigation into “excessive power” exercised by V.K. Pandian, the then all-powerful close aide of former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik.

Deputy Superintendent of Police Santosh Kumar Gauda, who has been entrusted with the task of investigating into the allegations, has sought evidence in support of allegations made by Surendra Panigrahi, the petitioner in the case.

Also read: V.K. Pandian, once a powerful figure in the BJD government, retires from active politics

‘No such department’

In 2023, Mr. Panigrahi, president of Bharatiya Bikash Parishad, a non-government forum, had alleged that as per the Odisha Government Rules of Business, 1956, which outlines the framework for the functioning of the Odisha government, there was no such department called ‘5T’ in the State.

“V.K Pandian, the 2000 batch IAS officer who had taken voluntary retirement to join Biju Janata Dal, was private secretary to then Odisha CM. However, he was appointed as 5T Secretary by a notification issued in 2019. This is clearly violation of rules,” said the petitioner.

Mr. Panigrahi had first sent his petitions to the Governor, Chief Minister and Chief Secretary in 2023, but his petition was never taken up for investigation. He subsequently sent his allegations to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) and the office of the President in 2024 and 2025.

“Mr. Pandian moved alone by helicopter throughout Odisha without permission of then CM. As per RTI information, an expenditure of ₹9,03,60,346 was made towards hiring of helicopter. Subsequently, ₹8.18 crore was spent for helicopter use taking the total expenditure to ₹17.21 crore. The former IAS’s job location was confined to Chief Minister’s Office. It was illegal to travel by air alone,” he charged.

“The former IAS officer used to address public meetings, declare new projects without budgetary provisions and invite all the students from primary schools to university to attend his meeting declaring compulsory holiday. He had then hijacked the administration,” Mr. Panigrahi said.

‘Only oral orders’

“In the event that constitutional heads are unwell, powers are generally not passed onto subordinates including private secretaries. How was it possible that private secretary to Odisha CM was discharging constitutional duties by the strength of oral orders from CM?” Mr. Panigrahi had further pointed out in his 2023 petition.

Mr. Pandian, the Tamil Nadu–born former IAS officer, wielded considerable influence during the tenure of Mr. Patnaik. After resigning from the Indian Administrative Service, he formally joined the Biju Janata Dal (BJD). However, following the party’s defeat in both the Assembly and Lok Sabha elections in 2024, he withdrew from active politics. Mr Panigrahi had submitted several petitions alleging misuse and overreach of authority by Mr Pandian.