Who Were the Four Arrested in Odisha's SI Recruitment Scam?
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Synopsis
The Odisha Police Crime Branch has made significant strides in the multi-crore Sub Inspector recruitment scam, arresting four individuals, including a key player. As investigations unfold, more details about the criminal network are revealed, raising concerns about recruitment integrity.
Key Takeaways
- The Odisha Police Crime Branch has arrested four suspects in a significant recruitment scam.
- The scam involved a network that manipulated the SI recruitment process.
- Suspects collected substantial payments in exchange for access to question papers.
- Investigations are ongoing, with efforts to locate the main suspect still in progress.
- This incident raises serious questions about recruitment integrity in Odisha.
Bhubaneswar, Oct 17 (NationPress) The Odisha Police Crime Branch has apprehended four individuals, including a key figure in the extensive multi-crore Sub Inspector (SI) police recruitment fraud, as confirmed by the Crime Branch Director General of Police, Vinaytosh Mishra, on Friday.
The suspects have been identified as Muna Mohanty (32) from Baideswar in Cuttack district; Priyadarshini Samal (25) from Mukundpur in Dhenkanal district; and Srikant Maharana (34) and T. Abimanyu Dora (49) of Daspalla in Nayagarh district.
According to sources within the Crime Branch, while probing potential leaks of question papers for the Combined Police Service Examination (CPSE)-2024 conducted by the Odisha Police Recruitment Board, it was uncovered that prime suspect Muna Mohanty orchestrated a criminal network, assisted by his accomplices, under the direction of Sankar Prusty, Director of Panchsoft Technologies Private Limited based in Patia, Bhubaneswar. They undermined the entire SI recruitment process through illicit means.
Mohanty was actively overseeing the entire syndicate, maintaining close connections with agents who interacted with candidates, collected original documents and blank cheques in exchange for providing exam question papers, returning them post-payment of amounts ranging from Rs 20 to 25 lakh.
The scam emerged after police intercepted three buses carrying 114 candidates and three agents in Andhra Pradesh on the night of September 29.
Upon investigation, it was revealed that Srikant and Muna masterminded the entire incident.
Srikant facilitated the candidates' mobilization, arranged transportation to Vijayanagarm, and coordinated accommodations and certificate collections prior to leaving Bhubaneswar.
Moreover, he plotted to evade law enforcement by seeking refuge at the farmhouse of his associate, T. Abhimanyu Dora, alongside Muna Mohanty.
On September 27, Muna arranged buses for the candidates traveling from Bhubaneswar, paying Rs 2,30,000 from his and his mother's bank accounts.
He physically oversaw the boarding process in Bhubaneswar on September 29.
Mohanty also deployed three agents on these buses to supervise the candidates' journey to Vijayanagarm, where he personally reserved accommodations and shared the details.
Following the arrests of the candidates and agents, Muna, Srikant, and others went underground, disabling their mobile devices.
Additionally, the suspects returned the certificates to the parents of the apprehended candidates through Priyadarshini.
The police also detained Dora for providing refuge to the accused individuals, despite their known involvement in the crime.
However, Mishra stated that the main suspect, Prusty, who was in Delhi during the arrests of the candidates and agents, remains at large, and efforts are ongoing to capture him.
Point of View
It is crucial to acknowledge the gravity of this recruitment scam in Odisha, which undermines public trust in law enforcement processes. The ongoing investigation reveals a concerning breach of integrity that demands accountability and transparency from those involved. The Crime Branch's actions indicate a significant effort to restore public confidence in recruitment systems.
NationPress
17/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the SI recruitment scam in Odisha?
The SI recruitment scam involves a criminal network that manipulated the recruitment process for the Sub Inspector position in Odisha, leading to the arrest of several individuals.
Who were the primary suspects arrested?
The four arrested include Muna Mohanty, Priyadarshini Samal, Srikant Maharana, and T. Abimanyu Dora.
What were the suspects charged with?
The suspects are charged with conspiracy, fraud, and involvement in a syndicate that compromised the SI recruitment process.
How did the scam come to light?
The scam was uncovered after police intercepted buses carrying candidates and agents in Andhra Pradesh.
What actions are being taken against the mastermind behind the scam?
Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the main suspect, Sankar Prusty, who is currently absconding.
