Odisha Police SI recruitment scam: CBI questions SP-rank officer of OPRB, summons 3 other members

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has intensified its probe into the alleged scam related to the Odisha Police Sub-Inspector (SI) recruitment examination, questioning senior officials and widening the scope of the investigation into the tendering and examination management process.

According to sources, the CBI on Saturday interrogated one SP-rank officer of the Odisha Police Recruitment Board (OPRB) in connection with irregularities in the tender process for conducting the SI recruitment examination. The questioning reportedly focused on the awarding of the tender and compliance with prescribed norms. In addition, notices have been issued to three other members of the OPRB, directing them to appear before the agency for examination.

Investigators are also scrutinising the role of Silicon Tech Lab Private Limited, the firm that was awarded the contract to conduct the examination. The CBI is examining how Silicon Tech Lab Education Private Limited managed the examination process and whether due procedures were followed. The company was allegedly headed by Suresh Nayak, whose role is under detailed investigation. Officials are probing how OPRB granted permission to an institution run by Nayak to conduct a sensitive recruitment examination.

The investigation has further revealed the alleged involvement of a syndicate, wherein a teacher is suspected of having handled an entire module related to the examination process. In this connection, the CBI has issued a notice to the concerned teacher, asking him to appear before the agency for questioning.

Meanwhile, the CBI is conducting marathon interrogations of three key accused, Shankar, Suresh and Sagar, who are currently on four-day remand. The agency had taken the trio on remand on Friday to unearth the wider conspiracy, identify beneficiaries, and establish links between officials, private entities and intermediaries involved in the alleged scam.

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The investigation is ongoing, and officials indicated that more summons and arrests cannot be ruled out as the probe progresses.