(a) whether the Government has taken note that officer-cum-chief Conservator of the Indian Museum at Kolkata is reported to be missing for a long time and if so, the action taken by the Government in this regard; and
(b) whether the said missing official is reported to have acted as a whistle blower on many issues relating to theft and pilferage from museum and if so, the details thereof?
MINISTER OF STATE (IC) FOR CULTURE AND TOURISM
(DR. MAHESH SHARMA)
(a) Yes Madam. Dr. Sunil Upadhyay, Preservation Officer of the Indian Museum, has been missing from his home from 03.07.2014, when he was on leave. On being informed of this by his family the following day, 04.07.2014, the Indian Museum authorities immediately brought this to the attention of the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, i.e., H.E. the Governor of West Bengal, and the Ministry of Culture. The Govt. of West Bengal ordered an investigation into the case of Dr. Upadhyay''s disappearance by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID). Subsequently, at every stage of the investigation the Indian Museum extended its full cooperation to CID. However, the results of the investigation by the CID is awaited.
The matter has also been referred to Central Bureau of Investigation vide this Ministry’s OM. No 17-11/2014-M II dated 11th August, 2014. The CBI has also been reminded to expedite the matter on 17th September, 2014 and D O Letter of even number dated 13th November, 2014.
(b) There are no office records to indicate that Dr. Sunil Upadhyay acted as a whistle blower on any issue relating to theft and pilferage from museum.