CBI yet to begin probe in Odisha Police SI recruitment scam; 114 accused out on bail, key agents still in jail

Three days after the Odisha government formally handed over the Odisha Police Sub-Inspector (SI) recruitment scam case to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), the central agency has yet to commence its probe.

The delay comes as 114 arrested candidates have already secured bail, while nine key accused, including alleged key middleman Muna Mohanty, continue to remain behind bars.

Delay in CBI Takeover Raises Questions

Although the state government issued an official notification transferring the case to the CBI on October 27, sources confirmed that the agency has not yet taken formal charge of the investigation. Case files, seized materials, and digital evidence compiled by the Crime Branch remain with the state agency and are awaiting official handover.

Sources, however, stated that the delay may be procedural, as the CBI must first assign a team, issue formal requisitions, and register a fresh FIR before beginning independent investigations. 

However, the absence of progress nearly a week after the transfer has drawn attention, especially since the Crime Branch has failed to nab the alleged prime suspect, identified as Shankar Prusty, who has reportedly fled to Dubai.

Bail for 114 Accused Candidates

Earlier yesterday, the Berhampur Vigilance Court granted bail to 114 arrested examinees who were accused of paying bribes to secure SI posts. Each was released on a bond of Rs 50,000 and two local sureties. The Court directed them to cooperate with investigators, report regularly to their local police stations, and refrain from influencing witnesses.

The accused were among those who had travelled to Vizianagaram for the recruitment examination and were arrested for allegedly buying question papers or using leaked materials.

While the 114 examinees have been granted bail, nine accused, including Muna Mohanty and five agents, remain in judicial custody. Court documents indicate that their bail pleas were rejected due to their alleged central roles in organising the recruitment racket.

ALSO READ: Police SI recruitment scam: High Court rejects anticipatory bail plea of main accused Shankar Prusty

Crime Branch Yet to Make Breakthroughs

The Odisha Crime Branch, which had been probing the case before the handover, has yet to fully uncover the internal structure of the scam or locate absconding operatives. Despite questioning dozens of suspects and examining digital evidence, the agency has not established the complete money trail.

It is worth noting that the SI recruitment scam is stated to be one of the largest examination-related scams in Odisha. As per earlier reports, it involved the manipulation of the selection process conducted by the Odisha Police Recruitment Board (OPRB).

Investigators arrested 123 persons in total, including 114 candidates and several agents, for their alleged roles in leaking question papers and selling police posts for cash.

According to preliminary findings, the scam extended across multiple states, with agents using digital communication platforms and forged identification documents to coordinate illicit transactions.