Odisha SI recruitment exam scam: CBI files preliminary chargesheet; Shankar Prusty among 16 named

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) filed a preliminary chargesheet on Monday in the alleged Odisha Police Sub-Inspector (SI) recruitment examination scam, naming 16 accused, including alleged mastermind Shankar Prusty.

According to officials familiar with the development, the chargesheet has been submitted along with documentary and material evidence before the designated court. Among those named are Shankar Prusty, Muna Mohanty, Suresh Nayak, Soumya Priyadarshini Samal, Rinku Maharana, Biranchi Nayak and Nitish Kumar, apart from other accused whose roles are under scrutiny.

Arrests By Crime Branch And CBI

Sources reported that of the 16 accused named in the chargesheet, nine were earlier arrested by the Odisha Crime Branch during the initial phase of the investigation. The remaining seven were arrested by the CBI after it took over the probe and were subsequently produced before the court following custodial interrogation.

The chargesheet is a direct result of the findings of the investigation so far and documents the alleged roles of the accused in connection with irregularities in the SI recruitment examination.

Probe Points To Wider Network

The CBI has stated that the investigation is continuing, citing evidence suggesting the possible involvement of additional individuals. Sources indicated that the agency is examining a wider network linked to the alleged manipulation of the recruitment process, including intermediaries and facilitators who may not yet have been formally charged.

The agency’s focus has included identifying coordination roles, tracing financial transactions and understanding how candidates were allegedly approached and assured outcomes.

Inter-State Links And Money Trail Under Scanner

Earlier this month, the CBI intensified its probe by taking Amit Bharati, arrested in Bihar, on a three-day custodial remand. Investigators are examining his alleged role as an intermediary, with a focus on inter-state connections between Bihar and Odisha.

Officials are also probing claims related to financial dealings allegedly running into several lakh rupees.

Prior to this, alleged prime accused Shankar Prusty, along with co-accused Suresh Nayak and Sagar Gaudar, was taken on custodial remand, during which investigators reportedly gathered information related to operational coordination and financial arrangements linked to the alleged scam.

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Apart from examining individual roles, the CBI is also scrutinising procedural aspects of the SI recruitment process. Earlier reports confirmed that an SP-rank officer associated with the Odisha Police Recruitment Board has been questioned, and notices have reportedly been issued to other board members to appear before the agency.