Departmental inquiry ordered into Rourkela Circuit House case

Odisha Revenue Minister Suresh Pujari said a departmental inquiry had been ordered into alleged rule violations at the Rourkela Circuit House. He said a detailed report had been sought from senior Revenue and Disaster Management department officials.

Pujari said the circuit house had been temporarily closed and officials responsible for its management had been relieved of their duties. He said the district collector would oversee the facility until further orders.

The minister said the inquiry would identify people directly or indirectly involved in the alleged violations. He said action would follow against officials found responsible.
Police arrested seven people with firearms at the facility on August 15. It said suspended BJP leader Prakash Paswan was later arrested on allegations of harbouring the accused there.

A separate controversy arose after an adult film actor's video indicated she had stayed at the government facility in December 2025. Police were investigating the booking process and whether due procedure had been followed.

The police had not registered a case over the actor's stay. Pujari said the government was preparing an online booking system and new procedures for circuit houses across Odisha.