File photo of former Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik with VK Pandian. | Photo credit: Special arrangement
The crime branch of the Urina police has launched an investigation into the “excessive power” exercised by VK Pandian, then an all-powerful close aide of former chief minister Naveen Patnaik.
Deputy Superintendent of Police Santosh Kumar Gauda, who was assigned the task of investigating these allegations, sought evidence to support the claims of Surendra Panigrahi, the petitioner in the case.
Also Read: VK Pandian, once a powerful figure in the BJD government, retires from active politics
“No such separation”
In 2023, Mr. Panigrahi, president of the Bharatiya Bikash Parishad, a non-governmental forum, claimed that there was no such department called “5T” in the state under the Orissa Government Business Rules, 1956, which outlined the framework for the functioning of the Odisha government.
“VK Pandian, a 2000 batch IAS officer who voluntarily retired to join the Biju Janata Dal, was the private secretary to the then Odisha CM. However, he was appointed as the 5T secretary by notification issued in 2019. This is a clear violation of the rules,” the petitioner said.
Mr. Panigrahi first sent his petitions to the Governor, Chief Minister and Chief Secretary in 2023, but his petition was never accepted for investigation. He subsequently sent his accusations to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) and the President’s Office in 2024 and 2025.
“Mr. Pandian was moving alone in Odisha by helicopter without the permission of the then CM. As per RTI information, an expenditure of ₹ 9,03,60,346 was incurred on hiring the helicopter. Subsequently, ₹ 8.18 crore was spent on the use of the helicopter, bringing the total expenditure to ₹ 17.21 crore. The post of Chi was given to the IAS office illegally. The air itself,” he attacked.
“The ex-IAS officer used to address public meetings, announce new projects without budgetary provisions and invite all students from primary schools to the university to attend his meeting to declare compulsory leave. Then he hijacked the administration,” Panigrahi said.
“Oral orders only”
“In case constitutional chairpersons are not comfortable, powers are generally not transferred to subordinates including private secretaries. How was it possible that Odisha CM’s private secretary was performing constitutional duties on verbal orders from the CM?” Mr. Panigrahi further pointed out in his 2023 petition.
Mr Pandian, a Tamil Nadu-born former IAS officer, wielded considerable influence during Mr Patnaik’s tenure. After resigning from the Indian Administrative Service, he formally joined the Biju Janata Dal (BJD). However, he retired from active politics after the party’s defeat in both the Assembly and Lok Sabha elections in 2024. Mr. Panigrahi filed several petitions alleging abuse and excess of authority by Mr. Pandian.
Published – 03 Jan 2026 21:24 IST
