Odisha Police SI recruitment scam: Fresh arrests made in case, Crime Branch intensifies its probe

In a fresh development in the Odisha Police Sub-Inspector (SI) recruitment scam, the Crime Branch has arrested two more accused who allegedly acted as middlemen in the multi-crore racket.

According to sources, the duo will be produced in court later today. Investigators have also seized crucial digital evidence, which is expected to help trace the broader network involved in the fraud.

Key Accused Still at Large

While these arrests mark significant progress, the alleged masterminds of the scam, Shankar Prusty and Muna Mohanty, continue to evade arrest despite intense efforts by the Crime Branch.

The duo is believed to have orchestrated the sale of police jobs, reportedly demanding Rs 25 lakh per candidate, and exploiting aspirants through a network of brokers.

Background of the Scam

Earlier, 114 candidates and three middlemen were arrested in connection with the scam, which allegedly involved manipulating the Odisha Police SI recruitment process. Preliminary investigations revealed that aspirants were taken out of the state for ‘special coaching,’ while their certificates were reportedly held as collateral until payments were completed.

It further came to light that the candidates were taken to these out-of-state centres allegedly to receive question papers of the SI recruitment exam and obtain a ‘guaranteed selection’. It is worth noting. However, that probe in this regard is ongoing, and the exact modus operandi may be revealed later by Odisha Police.

Involvement of Recruitment Agencies

Meanwhile, the Odisha Police Recruitment Board (OPRB), which oversees SI recruitment, has come under scrutiny for outsourcing the exam’s administration.

Initially, OPRB delegated the task to ITI Ltd., which subcontracted it to Silicon Technology and later to Panchsoft Pvt. Ltd., reportedly controlled by Shankar Prusty. This layered subcontracting raised serious questions about transparency and accountability in the recruitment process.

ALSO READ: Odisha Police SI recruitment exam scam shakes entire recruitment system; aspirants in lurch, govt in action mode

Official Investigation Led by DSP Ratnaprava Satpathy

To ensure a thorough probe, the Odisha Crime Branch has appointed DSP Ratnaprava Satpathy to lead the investigation. She will operate under the supervision of SP Anil Kumar Beuria, who will oversee the inquiry and ensure proper reporting.

Meanwhile, the case has sparked widespread concern regarding corruption in government recruitment processes among legitimate aspirants and student bodies, many of whom took to protests a day earlier.