CBI probe into Odisha Police SI recruitment scam: Odisha govt issues notification

In a major development, Odisha Government has issued a formal notification handing over the police Sub-Inspector (SI) recruitment scam case to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The decision was officially communicated to the Orissa High Court by Advocate General Pitambar Acharya on Monday.

Also Read: Odisha police SI recruitment scam: Arrested candidates allege academic certificates in custody of accused

Taking note of the government’s notification, the High Court disposed of the pending public interest litigation (PIL) filed by advocate Sibashankar Mohanty, who had earlier sought a CBI probe into the case.

The Crime Branch of Odisha Police had been investigating the case after reports of large-scale malpractices surfaced even before the SI examination. So far, 123 persons, including 114 candidates, have been arrested in connection with the racket, which allegedly involved an interstate network of fraudsters.

The petitioner had also raised concerns over the possible role of certain officials of Odisha Police Recruitment Board (OPRB), which conducted the examination, and questioned how a Crime Branch DSP could impartially interrogate a senior IPS officer serving as the OPRB Chairman.

Following the State’s notification, the CBI will now take over the investigation, marking a significant turn in one of the most high-profile examination fraud cases in Odisha. The move is expected to ensure greater transparency and accountability in uncovering the full extent of the alleged scam.

“Around 1,53,000 candidates are appearing in the exam, and 114 job aspirants have already been arrested in connection with the case. You can very well imagine what the result will be in such a case, if CID-CB probes into the accusations,” advocate Sibashankar said.

“However, Odisha government considered the depth of this issue and has ordered for CBI probe. Following which, the High Court disposed of the case (PIL),” the advocate added.