Odisha Police SI exam ‘sabotage’: Major revelations unfold after 117 arrests; ITI and Panchsoft link under probe

A major development has emerged in the ongoing Odisha Police Sub-Inspector (SI) examination sabotage case.

The revelations include that the Odisha Police Recruitment Board (OPRB) had awarded the examination tender to ITI Private Limited, which subcontracted responsibilities to Silicon, and subsequently to Panchsoft Technology Private Limited, based in Berhampur. 

These agencies are now the prime suspects in facilitating the large-scale malpractice.

A day earlier, the Odisha Police, along with the Crime Branch, had arrested 117 people, including 114 candidates and three middlemen, linked to one of the largest recruitment-related crimes in recent years.

How the Racket Operated

According to police sources, Panchsoft’s role was limited to providing logistical support, such as transport, human resources, and other facilities for conducting the exam.

However, investigations revealed that Silicon and Panchsoft had allegedly facilitated a wider network that promised guaranteed selection in the SI examination. Over Rs 25 lakh in bribes were reportedly collected from aspirants willing to pay for this assurance.

The three middlemen arrested are believed to have allegedly acted as local intermediaries, recruiting candidates and organising their travel, including movement from Odisha to Hyderabad under the guise of a ‘special coaching programme.’

Officials said the Hyderabad centre was reportedly not a legitimate coaching institute but an organised setup to manipulate exam outcomes.

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Arrests and Court Proceedings

The accused were apprehended late Tuesday night in Andhra Pradesh’s Srikakulam district and brought back to Berhampur.
After an overnight interrogation, all were produced in the Berhampur JMFC Court on Wednesday under tight security.

Among those arrested were eight women. Heavy security deployment at the court ensured the smooth handling of the case.

Police sources indicated that further arrests of possibly 10 to 12 more middlemen are underway as investigations continue.