What’s the latest in the Odisha SI exam scam case with another aide arrested?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Crime Branch arrests Sagar Kumar Gouda, a close aide of the prime accused.
- Investigation reveals a vast organized criminal conspiracy.
- Odisha Police have arrested a total of 126 people in the case.
- Union government orders a CBI probe into the scam.
- Significant implications for future recruitment processes in Odisha.
Bhubaneswar, Nov 12 (NationPress) The Crime Branch of Odisha Police made a significant advancement on Wednesday by apprehending an additional associate of Sankar Prusty, the main suspect in the Odisha Police Sub-Inspector recruitment fraud case. Describing the arrest as a breakthrough, the Odisha Police disclosed that the Crime Branch has taken into custody Sagar Kumar Gouda (22), a resident of Balipada in Ganjam district, amid the ongoing investigation into the extensive organized criminal conspiracy linked to the use of fraudulent tactics in the Combined Police Service Examination (CPSE)-2024.
Authorities further indicated that Gouda, who currently lives at the MKCG Medical Campus in the Baidyanathpur area of Berhampur, is recognized as a close associate of the principal accused, Prusty.
Investigations revealed that Gouda played a crucial role in managing the operations of the Balasore module, a significant component of the organized crime syndicate involved in the recruitment scandal.
According to the Odisha Police, "Acting under the direction of the main accused, Prusty, Gouda facilitated logistical arrangements and ensured the execution of the plan on the ground."
Furthermore, it was learned that Gouda traveled to Digha in West Bengal on September 29, where accommodations were arranged by another key suspect, Aravinda Das, for the candidates seeking positions.
As outlined in the criminal scheme, he was expected to manage and supervise the covert activities in Digha in direct collaboration with Prusty.
To date, the Odisha Police has apprehended a total of 126 individuals, including the primary accused Prusty and 114 aspiring candidates, in this case.
In an important update, the Union government, responding to a request from Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, has ordered a CBI investigation into this multi-crore scam.
The Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances, and Pensions (Department of Personnel and Training) issued a notification on Tuesday, confirming that this decision followed the consent provided by the Odisha Government as per its notification dated October 31.