Odisha Police SI exam ‘sabotage’: 119 arrested in Berhampur; over Rs 25 lakh bribe paid for ‘guaranteed selection’

Odisha police carried out one of the largest recruitment-related crackdowns in recent years by arresting 119 people, including 117 aspirants and two middlemen, for their alleged involvement in the Sub-Inspector (SI) recruitment exam fraud.

The accused were detained late Monday night in Andhra Pradesh’s Srikakulam district, while reportedly being ferried to Hyderabad for a ‘special coaching programme’ connected to the ongoing examination process.

According to sources, the operation was led by Berhampur police in coordination with the Crime Branch following a late-night intelligence tip-off.

Acting on the inputs, a special team intercepted multiple buses that had left Odisha carrying the candidates. The detainees were then brought back to Berhampur, where they were questioned throughout the night. After sustained interrogation, 119 arrests were formally made, and all the accused are expected to be produced in court today.

Rs 25 Lakh Deal Suspected

Reports stated that the Hyderabad centre was not a regular coaching institute but an organised set-up allegedly designed to manipulate the SI recruitment examination.

Sources indicated that candidates were asked to pay sums as high as Rs 25 lakh in exchange for ‘guaranteed selection’. The two arrested middlemen are suspected of being local links of the larger racket, tasked with recruiting aspirants willing to pay and facilitating their travel outside the state.

According to the latest reports, the police have not disclosed the identity of the agency or individuals allegedly running the Hyderabad programme, but have confirmed that evidence points to deep-rooted malpractice.

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OPRB Steps In, Postpones SI Written Exam

The arrests came even as the Odisha Police Recruitment Board (OPRB) acknowledged “illegal activities” linked to the examination and suspended the upcoming Combined Police Service Examination (CPSE)-2024 written test.

The exam, scheduled for October 5 and 6, will now be held on fresh dates to be announced later.

The Board also launched a helpline (9040493223) to encourage aspirants and members of the public to report suspicious activity. 

In its official statement, the OPRB emphasised that bribery or malpractice during recruitment was a criminal offence and assured strict action against anyone involved.

Notably, the Berhampur arrests mark the first large-scale police action in the unfolding scandal. Initial estimates suggest more than 150 candidates were part of the Hyderabad-bound contingent, though 119 were formally booked following interrogation.