Odisha Police SI exam ‘sabotage’: Aspirants stage protest in Bhubaneswar, demand CBI probe

Outraged over alleged large-scale irregularities in the Odisha Police Sub-Inspector (SI) recruitment examination, job aspirants staged a protest in front of the Harekrushna Mahatab Library in Bhubaneswar on Friday. The candidates accused the Odisha Police Recruitment Board (OPRB) of gross negligence and claimed that corruption within the system enabled widespread malpractice. Alleging collusion between officials and middlemen, they demanded accountability at the highest level.

Protestors further alleged that some private coaching centres are also involved in the scam. They urged the Crime Branch to carry out a thorough investigation and book all those responsible.

“OPRB cancelled the examination because they were unable to finalise deals with middlemen. Many big fish are involved in this scam. The three arrested middlemen are just the tip of the iceberg. The 112 arrested aspirants must have paid more than Rs 25 lakh each. Out of 900 posts, most appear to have been sold. We demand that the main culprits be exposed and a CBI probe should be ordered,” alleged one of the aspirants.

Another candidate said, “I have been preparing for multiple recruitment exams. The Police SI notification was issued in January 2024, and the exam was scheduled for March 8–9, but it was cancelled. We demand stringent action against those involved in this corruption.”

Also Read: Odisha Police SI Exam ‘Sabotage’: Major Revelations Unfold; ITI And Panchsoft Link Under Probe

The agitators warned that they would intensify their agitation if the Odisha government failed to ensure a transparent probe into the scandal.