Odisha Police SI recruitment scam: 114 accused candidates granted bail, 9 key agents remain in jail

In a major development in the Odisha Sub-Inspector (SI) recruitment scam case, the Berhampur Vigilance Court on Wednesday granted bail to 114 arrested candidates. However, the Court, in the same ruling, denied bail to Muna Mohanty and his eight associates.

Sources reported that the Court allowed the release of the arrested candidates on a bail bond of Rs 50,000 each and two local sureties, with conditions aimed at ensuring cooperation with investigators and preventing interference with witnesses.

Court’s Conditions On Bail

The Court directed that all 114 released examinees must report to their local police stations, assist the ongoing Crime Branch probe, and not attempt to influence any witnesses. They have also been barred from leaving the country without prior permission, sources said.

Reports added that more than 30 defence lawyers represented the accused candidates during the hearing.

While the Court extended relief to the examinees, it denied bail to the alleged mastermind, Muna Mahanti, and eight other agents, who are believed to have played an instrumental role in orchestrating the scam. Their bail pleas were rejected due to the gravity of their involvement and the possibility of evidence tampering.

Details Of The Case

The bail order comes amid one of the largest examination-related frauds in Odisha’s history, involving alleged manipulation in the police SI recruitment process conducted by the Odisha Police Recruitment Board (OPRB). A total of 123 persons were arrested, including 114 candidates and several intermediaries who allegedly collected money and facilitated paper leaks.

According to investigators, the accused had accessed examination materials through interstate networks, using digital channels and fake identification. The Crime Branch initially led the probe, uncovering links to multiple states and intermediaries allegedly promising job placements in exchange for money.

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Odisha Hands Over Case To CBI

On October 27, the Odisha Government formally transferred the investigation to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) through an official notification. Advocate General Pitambar Acharya informed the Orissa High Court of the decision, marking a significant escalation in the probe.

While the bail provides temporary relief to 114 accused candidates, the case remains under active investigation.