Why Did Odisha Law Minister Support CBI Probe into SI Recruitment Scam?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Odisha's Law Minister supports CBI probe for transparency.
- Over 123 arrests made in the recruitment scam.
- Investigation aims to expose irregularities and corruption.
- Future recruitment reforms are being considered.
- Public trust in government processes is a priority.
Bhubaneswar, Oct 23 (NationPress) Odisha Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan expressed his approval on Thursday regarding the State Government’s decision to initiate a CBI investigation into the extensive police Sub-Inspector (SI) recruitment scam, labeling it a significant move towards fostering transparency and accountability in the hiring process.
In a statement to the press, Harichandan remarked, “The Chief Minister has already declared the CBI probe. This demonstrates the government’s unwavering commitment to uphold complete transparency in recruitment. The current recruitment efforts will proceed with the utmost fairness and integrity.”
He further stated, “The government is dedicated to establishing a transparent framework, and the commission will be instrumental in ensuring a genuine and credible recruitment process. The implemented reforms will lead to noticeable improvements in the system.”
Harichandan voiced his confidence that any irregularities would not be overlooked, and that the CBI inquiry would enhance public trust in the government’s recruitment procedures.
It is essential to note that Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Wednesday mandated a CBI investigation into the multi-crore SI recruitment examination scandal.
As per the official announcement from the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), serious claims of widespread irregularities and corruption have emerged in the Odisha Police SI recruitment examination. Initially, the investigation was assigned to the Crime Branch-CID of the state police.
Preliminary discoveries indicate that the scam might have connections extending beyond Odisha, particularly to Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal.
Moreover, there are suspicions that inter-state organized criminal networks could also be entangled in this multi-crore scam.
“Considering these developments, the Chief Minister resolved to delegate the investigation to the CBI to ensure a comprehensive examination, full exposure of the scam, and strict punishment for all involved,” stated the CMO.
Additionally, the state government is contemplating the establishment of a permanent commission for the selection of personnel in the police and other uniformed services to guarantee transparency and accountability in future recruitments. It is noteworthy that, to date, 123 individuals implicated in the SI recruitment scam have been apprehended by the Odisha Police.