Odisha Police SI exam ‘sabotage’: 117 accused produced before Berhampur JMFC Court

In a major crackdown on the Odisha Police SI examination fraud, the Berhampur Police, in coordination with the Crime Branch, has arrested 117 people, including 114 candidates and three middlemen, for their alleged involvement in a police sub-inspector (SI) exam cheating racket. 

After overnight interrogation, all accused on Wednesday were produced before the Berhampur JMFC Court under tight security. 

Heavy Security at Court Premises

The accused, which included eight women, were brought to court in four police vans amidst heavy security deployment. According to officials, they were transported from Andhra Pradesh’s Srikakulam district, where they were apprehended late on Tuesday.

The police had earlier seized three buses carrying the candidates towards Hyderabad, allegedly arranged by the middlemen as part of the cheating operation.

The Racket and the Investigation

Sources revealed that the accused were allegedly involved in a malpractice syndicate, promising success in the SI recruitment exam in exchange for hefty sums. Preliminary investigation suggests each candidate had struck a deal worth Rs 25 lakh with the brokers.

Following night-long questioning by the Crime Branch and Berhampur Police, the suspects were formally arrested and remanded to judicial custody.

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

Statewide Crackdown on Exam Frauds

Police sources say this is part of a larger operation against exam fraud networks targeting recruitment exams. Authorities have assured strict action against all those involved to uphold transparency and integrity in the selection process.

Notably, the Berhampur arrests mark the first large-scale police action in the unfolding scandal.