Police SI recruitment scam: CBI tightens grip, grills middleman Biranchi Nayak along with 2 aspirants

The investigation into the high-profile recruitment fraud involving Police Sub-Inspectors (SI) intensified on Saturday, with the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) tightening its grip on key accused persons. Middleman Biranchi Nayak, who was recently taken into CBI custody, is undergoing marathon interrogation as the agency digs deeper into the widespread irregularities.

According to sources, the CBI is simultaneously questioning two aspirant candidates who allegedly handed over their certificates and money to Biranchi in exchange for illicit assistance in clearing the SI recruitment process. Investigators are conducting face-to-face interrogation involving Biranchi and the two candidates to extract crucial information about the transaction trail and the broader conspiracy.

Earlier, Biranchi Nayak was detained in Paralakhemundi and brought to Bhubaneswar for further questioning. This development marks the first major action by the CBI since it officially took over the investigation into the scam. Earlier, the Crime Branch had arrested 12 individuals in connection with the case, and with Biranchi’s arrest, the total number has now risen to 13.

Also Read: Odisha Police SI recruitment scam: ‘Digha model’ mastermind nabbed by CBI

The CBI had previously taken four persons on a three-day remand for interrogation. On December 2, the agency also secured a two-day remand of Arabinda Das, in charge of the Digha model centre, grilling him extensively about his suspected role in facilitating examination malpractices.

Sources indicate that Biranchi is a close associate of alleged mastermind Shankar Prusty. In a significant development, four officials of the Odisha Police Recruitment Board (OPRB)—including a DSP-rank officer—are reportedly under the CBI scanner for their possible involvement in the recruitment manipulation.

As the probe widens, more startling revelations are expected, tightening the noose around those responsible for orchestrating one of the state’s biggest recruitment scams.