Odisha Government Orders CBI Investigation into Alleged Police SI Recruitment Scam

The Odisha government has escalated the investigation into alleged irregularities in the police sub-inspector (SI) recruitment process by handing the matter over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). This decision, announced on Wednesday, comes after widespread allegations that the recruitment scam has extended beyond Odisha, affecting other states including Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal. Authorities also suspect the involvement of an inter-state organized criminal syndicate orchestrating the fraud. The move demonstrates the government’s intent to ensure a thorough and impartial investigation into the allegations of corruption and malpractice in the recruitment process.

Prior to the decision, the Crime Branch of Odisha Police had been investigating the case and had already arrested 123 individuals, including 114 aspirants for the SI posts. The investigation began after an anonymous tip-off on September 30 alerted the Berhampur police to a potential leak of the examination paper scheduled for October 5 and 6. Acting on this information, the police intercepted three buses carrying 114 aspirants to Vizianagaram, Andhra Pradesh, where intensive coaching on the exam questions was being conducted. It was revealed that each candidate had agreed to pay Rs 25 lakh in installments for the coaching – Rs 10 lakh initially and the remaining amount after securing the job.

Further investigation by the Crime Branch revealed that similar arrangements were made for 110 additional aspirants, with rooms booked at a hotel in Digha, West Bengal, for specialized coaching on selected exam questions. However, no candidates showed up after the police intercepted the buses. Investigators suspect that the criminal syndicate operated under the direction of Sankar Prusty, director of Panchsoft Technologies Pvt Ltd, a Bhubaneswar-based private company that was engaged as a sub-contractor in the examination process. Following the bust, the company has been sealed. The upcoming CBI investigation is expected to probe deeper to uncover all individuals involved in orchestrating the scam and determine the role of Prusty in the operation.

In response to the exposure of the scam, the Odisha Police Recruitment Board (OPRB) decided to indefinitely postpone the recruitment examination for 933 SI positions, citing “unforeseen circumstances.” Approximately 1.53 lakh applicants had applied for these posts. Officials stated that the examination will be conducted once the CBI investigation concludes, ensuring that the process is fair and transparent.

The alleged scam has highlighted vulnerabilities in the recruitment system and raised concerns regarding corruption and exploitation in competitive examinations. The involvement of organized crime and substantial monetary transactions illustrates the sophisticated nature of the operation. The Odisha government’s decision to involve the CBI signals a commitment to accountability, transparency, and corrective action. The federal investigation is expected to unravel the extent of the syndicate’s involvement, hold accountable those who facilitated or benefitted from the scam, and establish preventive measures to ensure integrity in future recruitment exercises.

This development also underscores the critical role of law enforcement agencies in protecting the integrity of public service recruitment and maintaining public trust in government institutions. With the CBI taking over, stakeholders and aspirants are anticipating a meticulous investigation that will reveal the full scope of the scam, ensure justice, and restore confidence in the recruitment process. The case serves as a reminder of the challenges posed by fraudulent networks and the importance of vigilance and stringent monitoring in competitive examinations to safeguard merit-based opportunities.