According to sources, the letter asked DIG (Kanker) Pawan Deo to change his present camp at the sensitive Kanker district headquarters in north Bastar to Naxalite-infested Narayanpur district. The letter was sent through the official channel, through a messenger and also had an official number (PHQ/Raipur/Admn/Personal Asst./D1011/07).

However, the letter was dated December 28, 2007.

The breach of official channel has sent alarm bells ringing among senior officers posted in the police headquarters who believe that a proper inquiry should be conducted into the incident. Sources said that as Chhattisgarh was engaged in a battle against Naxalite extremists, such breach in official communication of the police could be detrimental in the long run. “Such a breach in internal communication should be inquired upon with all seriousness as it casts a shadow over the credibility of all official directives,” they said. If such activities are not plugged immediately, there is a possibility that each and every directive, received from the headquarters, is checked by officers posted in various districts for its authenticity, they pointed out.

The letter directs DIG Pawan Deo, who is looking after Naxalite operations in the Kanker and Narayanpur districts to camp at Narayanpur for three weeks each month. He was also directed to stay at Kanker for one week every month, during which he was expected to conduct anti-Maoist operations in the district.

“The directive has to be followed under all conditions,” the letter concludes. The fake directive bears a file noting issued by the DGP's office and a copy has been marked to Inspector General of Police (Bastar Range)

R K Vij and Inspector General of Police (Anti-Naxal Operations) Girdhari Nayak for necessary action.

Speaking to The Indian Express, DGP Vishwaranjan confirmed that such a fake letter had been unearthed. “There is no need to conduct an inquiry into the incident,” he added.

Sources stated that the letter can also be a handiwork of office politics between senior police officers of the force. When contacted, DIG (Kanker Range) Pawan Deo refused to comment on the issue.