Did Odisha Police Uncover a Major SI Exam Scam?
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Synopsis
In a significant operation, Odisha Police arrested 117 individuals, including 114 candidates and three middlemen, for their roles in a Sub-Inspectors recruitment exam scam. This raises concerns about the integrity of the recruitment process.
Key Takeaways
- 117 individuals arrested in connection with the exam scam.
- 114 of those arrested are aspirants for the Sub-Inspectors exam.
- The scheme involved acquiring confidential question papers.
- Cancellation of the CPSE exam raises concerns about recruitment integrity.
- Political backlash highlights governance issues.
Bhubaneswar, Oct 1 (NationPress) In a significant operation against recruitment fraud, Odisha Police apprehended 117 individuals, comprising 114 candidates and three intermediaries, for their alleged roles in the upcoming Sub-Inspectors recruitment examination scam.
“We received confidential information from an anonymous source about extensive malpractice related to the Odisha Police Recruitment Board (OPRB) Sub Inspector exam. A team from Berhampur Police intercepted three AC sleeper buses near the Andhra Pradesh border,” stated the Odisha Police in an official press release.
Upon investigation, authorities discovered that the three intercepted buses were carrying 117 passengers, of whom 114 were candidates for the forthcoming Combined Police Service Examination (CPSE)- 2024, scheduled for October 5 and 6.
Due to the suspicious nature of their travel, police initiated an inquiry and found that these candidates had boarded the buses near Baramunda in Bhubaneswar and were heading towards an undisclosed destination in Vijayanagaram through the three middlemen, who were operating on behalf of other agents.
“Further investigation revealed that they were involved in a coordinated effort to sabotage the upcoming Sub Inspector exam. Their plan involved acquiring the confidential question paper in Vijayanagaram and returning to Bhubaneswar to take the exam. Each candidate had agreed to pay a total of Rs 25 lakh, with an initial payment of Rs 10 lakh and the remainder of Rs 15 lakh upon job confirmation,” added the Odisha Police.
Authorities also discovered that several more middlemen are implicated in this scheme and are actively pursuing additional arrests.
Police have opened an investigation at Golanthara Police Station in the Berhampur district, registering a case under various sections of the law pertaining to the Odisha Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act 2024.
All 117 individuals in custody will be presented in court on Wednesday.
Following the revelation of the scam, the OPRB announced on Tuesday the cancellation of the written examination for the CPSE, originally scheduled for October 5 and 6. An advertisement for the recruitment of 933 sub-inspector positions was issued by Odisha Police on December 20, 2024.
Sources indicated that approximately 1.53 lakh candidates had applied for the CPSE, 2024.
In light of the examination's cancellation, the Leader of Opposition and former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik criticized the state government on Tuesday, describing the postponement as a systemic failure of governance.
Point of View
It is crucial to acknowledge the gravity of the recent arrests made by Odisha Police regarding the Sub-Inspectors recruitment examination scam. This incident not only highlights the ongoing challenges in maintaining the integrity of public examinations but also underscores the importance of rigorous oversight in recruitment processes. Ensuring fairness and transparency is essential for restoring public trust in the system.
NationPress
01/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the Odisha Police to act?
The police received confidential information about extensive malpractice related to the upcoming Sub-Inspectors recruitment examination.
How many individuals were arrested?
A total of 117 individuals were arrested, including 114 candidates and three middlemen.
What were the candidates allegedly attempting to do?
They were allegedly involved in a scheme to acquire the confidential question paper for the Sub-Inspectors exam.
What has been the reaction from political leaders?
Former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik condemned the state government's handling of the situation, labeling it a failure of governance.
What actions have been taken regarding the examination?
The Odisha Police Recruitment Board cancelled the written examination scheduled for October 5 and 6 following the scam revelations.
