A controversy has erupted in Odisha after two Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officers were allegedly subjected to high-handed treatment and taken to a police station from Lok Bhavan during an official visit.
The incident occurred on Thursday when Principal Chief Commissioner of Income Tax (PCCIT), Odisha, Dr D Sudhakara Rao (IRS-IT:1990)—who had assumed charge on April 13—visited Lok Bhavan for a courtesy call on Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati.
While Dr Rao and some officials were allowed to meet the Governor, two IRS officers—Manish Kumar (IRS-IT:2015) and Satya Prakash Mishra (IRS-IT:2023)—were asked to wait in a hall. Despite prior intimation and coordination, they were allegedly removed from the premises at the behest of the ADC (Police) and taken in a police vehicle to the Capital Police Station.
In a strongly worded complaint to the Governor’s Secretariat, Dr Rao termed the action “high-handed” and “unwarranted,” stating that the officers were on official duty under his instructions but were treated as unauthorised entrants. He also flagged that false allegations regarding their sobriety were made, which were later found to be baseless at the police station.
Describing the incident as an affront to the dignity of civil servants, Rao has urged authorities to examine the conduct of the concerned security personnel and ensure that such incidents are not repeated. Copies of the complaint have also been sent to the Odisha Home Secretary and the Director General of Police.
Sources said Lok Bhavan has taken serious note of the matter and ordered an internal inquiry. The Commissionerate Police have also initiated a separate probe, describing the episode as a “serious misunderstanding.”
The incident has triggered concern in bureaucratic circles, particularly as it occurred during a formal courtesy visit by a senior officer who had just taken charge of his new assignment.
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