CBI makes two more arrests in Odisha SI scam; SSB Jawan, middleman held, tally rises to 13

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Sunday arrested two more persons in Bhubaneswar, including SSB jawan Arjun Nayak and middleman Nimai Charan Sahu, in connection with the ongoing Police Sub-Inspector (SI) recruitment scam.

According to sources, both accused were taken into custody after two days of questioning, with Nimai identified as a close associate of previously detained middleman Biranchi Nayak, who is in CBI remand.

All three suspects underwent comprehensive medical examinations before being brought to the CBI office in Bhubaneswar for interrogation.

Key Accused Under Intense CBI Scrutiny

Reports stated that Arjun Nayak, the SSB jawan, and Nimai Charan Sahu are being questioned to trace the transaction trail and their role in facilitating the recruitment irregularities.

Nimai is reportedly a trusted aide of Biranchi Nayak, who is considered a central figure in the scam. Sources said the agency is conducting detailed face-to-face interrogations to uncover the broader network and modus operandi behind the manipulation of the SI recruitment process.

Escalating Investigation

The arrests mark a major development in one of Odisha’s largest recruitment frauds. Earlier, the Crime Branch had arrested 12 individuals linked to the scam. With Biranchi Nayak and the new detainees, the total number of accused in CBI custody has risen to 13.

Arabinda Das, in charge of the Digha model centre, was also placed on a two-day CBI remand for extensive questioning regarding his involvement in examination malpractices.

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High-Ranking Officials Under CBI Scanner

Sources revealed that four officers of the Odisha Police Recruitment Board (OPRB), including a DSP-rank official, are now under CBI scrutiny.

Investigators are examining their possible role in facilitating irregularities during the recruitment and the extent of collusion with middlemen. Biranchi Nayak is reported to be a close associate of Shankar Prusty, identified as the alleged mastermind of the scam.

With multiple high-profile arrests, the probe has escalated into one of the most significant recruitment-related investigations in the state’s recent history.