Odisha police SI recruitment scam: CBI nabs accused from Bihar; first inter-state arrest in the case

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Monday arrested another accused in connection with the Odisha Police Sub-Inspector (SI) recruitment examination scam, marking a near confirmation that the alleged corruption network extended beyond the state’s borders.

The arrested accused has been identified as Amit Bharati, who was taken into custody from Bihar, officials said.

According to sources, the arrest of Amit Bharati followed sustained custodial interrogation of the prime accused, Shankar Prusty, who is alleged to be the key coordinator in the scam. The CBI reportedly secured crucial leads during Prusty’s four-day remand, which culminated in tracing Amit Bharati’s role and location outside Odisha.

Arrest After Interrogation of Prime Accused

Investigators said Amit Bharati was arrested after Shankar Prusty disclosed details about inter-state operational links during questioning. The CBI is examining Bharati’s alleged involvement in facilitating contacts, coordination, or financial transactions connected to the manipulation of the SI recruitment examination.

Shankar Prusty, along with his alleged associates Suresh Nayak and Sagar Gaudar, was taken on a four-day custodial remand from Jharpada jail after permission was granted by a special CBI court. Their remand period ends on Monday, following which all three accused will be produced before the court.

Sources indicated that investigators obtained several “important inputs” during the remand, particularly related to the money trail and the wider network involved in the recruitment irregularities.

Focus on Money Trail and Exam Operations

The CBI’s interrogation has focused on tracking large-scale financial transactions allegedly linked to the scam and identifying intermediaries involved in contacting candidates and coordinating illicit arrangements.

Officials are probing how responsibilities were divided among the accused and how examination-related logistics were allegedly misused.

The role of Silicon Tech Lab Private Limited, which was entrusted with printing question papers and managing their transportation to examination centres, is under sustained scrutiny. Investigators are examining how question papers were accessed or compromised during this stage of the process.

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As part of the expanding probe, the CBI has questioned an SP-rank officer of the Odisha Police Recruitment Board (OPRB) regarding alleged irregularities in the tendering process for conducting the SI recruitment examination. Notices have also been issued to three other OPRB members, directing them to appear before investigators.