Odisha Police SI recruitment exam scam: CBI begins four-day custodial interrogation of key accused

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Friday began a four-day custodial interrogation of three key accused in the Odisha Police Sub-Inspector (SI) recruitment examination scam after obtaining permission from a special CBI court.

Sources said the accused, prime suspect Shankar Prusty, along with his alleged associates Suresh and Sagar, were taken on remand from Jharpada jail in Bhubaneswar as the agency stepped up its probe into the alleged large-scale irregularities in the recruitment process.

The custodial interrogation is expected to focus on tracing financial transactions, uncovering operational links, and identifying the role of intermediaries allegedly involved in manipulating the examination, sources added.

Money Trail And Role Of Exam Vendors

According to sources familiar with the investigation, the CBI is examining allegations of transactions involving extremely large sums of money linked to the recruitment process.

The agency is also probing the role of Silicon Tech Lab, which was allegedly responsible for printing question papers and handling their transportation to examination centres. Investigators are seeking to establish how question papers were accessed, transmitted, or compromised during this phase.

The agency plans to conduct face-to-face questioning of Shankar and Suresh to ascertain how responsibilities were divided, how candidates were contacted, and whether exam-related logistics were misused for unlawful gain.

Sagar, described by investigators as a close associate and caretaker of Shankar, is also being questioned regarding his alleged role in coordinating activities linked to specific examination centres, including one at Digha.

Multiple Exams Under Scrutiny

CBI has also indicated that the SI recruitment examination may not be the only test affected. Evidence gathered so far suggests that similar methods may have been used in multiple recruitment examinations conducted earlier.

The agency has informed the court that further disclosures during interrogation could lead to the summoning of additional individuals who are either linked to the accused or currently under suspicion.

Several individuals connected to Shankar Prusty have reportedly been issued summons and may be called for questioning, including possible confrontational interrogation sessions with the main accused.

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Digital Evidence Under Forensic Scan

As part of the investigation, the CBI has taken custody of 133 mobile phones seized from arrested candidates and alleged middlemen.

Meanwhile, the three accused, Shankar Prusty, Suresh, and Sagar, will remain in CBI custody until December 22, as per the remand order passed by the special CBI court.