Netaji probe panel hears complaints of `missing’ papers

She added: “It appears that either the files relating to Netaji were not available or not made available by the officials at the Archives.”

The instances of “missing files or files not given to the Commission” have jeopardised preparation of the status report of its proceedings. Three hearings have been held so far.

Angry over the “non-compliance” with the Commission’s directions, Deputy Speaker of West Bengal Assembly Anil Mukherjee informed chairman Justice Mukherjee: “If this is the case despite an order from the Assembly that the state government has to assist the panel, it amounts to contempt of court.”

While the state government has turned a blind eye to the Commission’s request, the Centre is not complying either. There is a long list of files which the Commission reportedly did not get from the Prime Minister’s Office, the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of External Affairs despite repeated requests.

A line in the Commission’s status report reads: “Other files/documents as specifically mentioned…have not been received, most of which are reportedly destroyed.” The word “destroyed” created a stir as the witnesses urged Justice Mukherjee to take a serious view of the “destroyed files” and let them know how these could be destroyed.

Even the chairman agreed. “It may mean destruction of the inquiry,” he reportedly told a witness deposing before the Commission. He is learnt to have told a group of witnesses that “as the requests are not complied with, now the Commission will give direction and orders only”.

Justice Mukherjee told A.K. Paitandi, director in the Ministry of Home Affairs, that he would have to explain what he meant by “non-availability” of secret documents at the next hearing on September 28.