Odisha Police SI recruitment scam: Vanik coaching centre under Crime Branch lens, notices issued to HR, other officials

The Odisha Crime Branch has intensified its probe into the Odisha Police Sub-Inspector (SI) recruitment scam, with new revelations emerging one after another. Notices have been issued to the HR manager, admin manager, and accounts head of Vanik Coaching Centre, located near CRP Square in Bhubaneswar, directing them to appear before the investigating officer on Friday.

On Thursday, the Crime Branch carried out a detailed search at the coaching institute’s premises. Among the 114 candidates arrested from Vizianagaram, several were reportedly students of Vanik Coaching Centre, confirmed a DSP of the Crime Branch. However, the exact number of candidates linked to the institute is yet to be confirmed.

Investigators are also scrutinising Vanik’s records from the past five years. Sources indicate possible links between Vanik’s owner and Panchsoft head Shankar Prusty, who is also under investigation.

Meanwhile, Vanik authorities have denied all allegations. We only provide coaching to aspirants. What happens outside our institution is beyond our knowledge. We are fully cooperating with the Crime Branch, an official of the coaching institute said.

Earlier yesterday, Subrat Chatoi, the MD of the coaching institute, had alleged that the Crime Branch has no evidence. The raids are politically motivated and an attempt to tarnish the institute's reputation.

If sources are to be believed, of the 114 candidates arrested, 12 are from Vanik, and the raids were conducted on the basis of their statements. They reportedly said that they were sponsored for the trip to Vizianagaram.

Also Read: Crime Branch raids ‘Vanik’ coaching centre in Bhubaneswar

The Odisha Police Recruitment Board (OPRB) has stated that strict action will be taken against all individuals found guilty in the recruitment scam