Is the CBI Investigating the Odisha Police SI Recruitment Scam?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
The CBI's recent probe into the Odisha Police SI recruitment scam has sparked widespread attention, revealing a complex web of corruption involving multiple states and numerous arrests. What does this mean for the integrity of law enforcement in Odisha?
Key Takeaways
- CBI Investigation: The CBI is now leading the probe into the Odisha Police SI recruitment scam.
- Significant Arrests: 126 individuals, including key suspects, have been arrested.
- Interstate Connections: The investigation may reveal links to criminal organizations beyond Odisha.
- Government Response: The Odisha government has actively sought a thorough investigation.
- Public Trust: This case raises questions about the integrity of law enforcement recruitment processes.
Bhubaneswar, Nov 13 (NationPress) The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), located in Bhubaneswar, has initiated an investigation into the extensive Odisha Police Sub Inspector (SI) Recruitment scam.
The case was officially registered on Wednesday, with the central agency assigning the investigation to a senior officer of the rank of Additional Superintendent of Police.
Sources indicate that the CBI has requested all relevant details regarding the case from the Crime Branch.
Following the request from the Odisha government, the Union government issued a notification on November 11, transferring the recruitment scam case (7/25), previously managed by the Crime Branch of the Odisha Police, to the CBI for a thorough review of the irregularities linked to the Combined Police Service Examination (CPSE), originally set for October 5 and 6, 2025.
It's noteworthy that the Odisha Police first uncovered this significant scam, resulting in the arrest of 114 candidates and three intermediaries after intercepting three buses in Andhra Pradesh on the night of September 29.
Following this, the Odisha Crime Branch took over the investigation of case (447/2), initially filed at the Golanthara Police Station in Ganjam district on September 30, later registering a separate case (7/2025) on October 1, 2025.
Additionally, the Odisha Police Recruitment Board (OPRB) had assigned the Combined Police Service Examination (CPSE)-2024 for SI recruitment to ITI Limited, which subsequently subcontracted the task to M/s Silicon Tech Pvt. Ltd..
This private firm then engaged Panchsoft Technologies Pvt. Ltd., based in Patia, Bhubaneswar, where the alleged mastermind of this scheme, Sankar Prusty, served as a director, to oversee critical aspects of the examination process.
To date, the Odisha Police have arrested 126 individuals, including the main suspect Prusty and several associates like Muna Mohanty, Srikanta Maharana alias Rinku, and Arabinda Das.
During the investigation, suspicions arose that the corruption might extend beyond Odisha, potentially involving other states such as Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal. There are also indications that an organized interstate criminal gang might be involved. Consequently, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi recommended a CBI investigation to the Centre, which the Centre accepted and acted upon.
Point of View
It is imperative to approach this investigation with a commitment to integrity and transparency. The CBI's involvement underscores the seriousness of the allegations and the vital need for accountability in government processes. We must ensure that justice prevails, and the truth is revealed for the betterment of society.
NationPress
13/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What triggered the CBI investigation?
The investigation was initiated following requests from the Odisha government and the discovery of significant irregularities in the police recruitment process.
How many people have been arrested so far?
As of now, 126 individuals have been arrested, including the primary suspect, Sankar Prusty.
Which agency was originally investigating the case?
The case was initially handled by the Crime Branch of the Odisha Police before being transferred to the CBI.
What are the broader implications of this scam?
The scam suggests potential corruption involving interstate criminal organizations and raises fundamental questions about recruitment integrity.
What actions have been taken by the Odisha government?
The Chief Minister recommended a CBI investigation, highlighting the government's commitment to addressing corruption.
