The CBI found that many of these purchased items were not authenticated by any government agency, yet another mandatory requirement, before making payments to dealers. Some of the APC minutes (2006-7) in possession of The Sunday Express showed that there are even instances when even the APC members were not unanimous about the genuineness of the items. Yet, the purchases were made.

Among the recent purchases are Lady in Yellow, a water colour by Rabindranath Tagore, 22 sketches by David Wilkie, 1840 and a landscape by Jamini Roy.

The CBI has gathered evidence that in gross violation of the rules, private parties and art dealers were allowed to be present in the APC meetings. “They were given illegitimate access to such meetings,” said a CBI official.

The CBI has found that Panda’s wife Nandini Panda was involved in deals with dealers. The prices of artifacts and paintings were hiked before they are placed before the APC, said CBI sources. Dealers, CBI sources say, had to pay 20 per cent commission.

The CBI is also investigating the case of missing paintings from the Hall. They believe some of them were taken out and were re-purchased.

When contacted, Professor Panda said, “Since a CBI probe is on. I will not like to comment. This is a conspiracy against me and my wife. Renowned personalities are members of the Art Purchase Committee who decide on the originality of an item. I thought that was authentication enough. The CBI officers visited my office and I am co-operating with them.”

... contd.