Bhubaneswar : Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has ordered a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the multi-crore Police Sub-Inspector (SI) recruitment scam, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing investigation that has rocked the state’s law enforcement recruitment process.
In a statement issued by the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) on Wednesday, the decision to hand over the case to the CBI was taken in light of serious allegations of widespread irregularities and corruption in the recruitment examination conducted by the Odisha Police Recruitment Board.
The case was initially being probed by the Crime Branch-CID of the state police. However, preliminary findings suggest inter-state involvement, with suspected links to Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal, raising concerns about a well-organised criminal syndicate operating across state borders.
“Keeping in view of these developments, the Chief Minister decided to entrust the probe to the CBI to ensure a thorough investigation, complete exposure of the scam, and stringent punishment for all those involved,” the CMO said.
Organised Network Uncovered
Investigators believe that a crime syndicate, allegedly headed by Muna Mohanty, orchestrated the subversion of the Combined Police Service Examination (CPSE)-2024. Mohanty is accused of operating under the instructions of Sankar Prusty, Director of Panchsoft Technologies Pvt Ltd, a Bhubaneswar-based firm entrusted with exam-related duties.
The syndicate allegedly manipulated the exam process using leaked question papers and other fraudulent means. The scam came to light on September 29, when Berhampur Police intercepted three buses in neighbouring Andhra Pradesh carrying 114 candidates and three agents suspected of being involved in the fraud.
So far, 123 people have been arrested in connection with the scam, including four key accused — Muna Mohanty, Srikatna Moharana alias Rinku, T. Abhimanyu Dora, and Priyadarsini Samal — who were apprehended on October 17.
Meanwhile, the prime accused Sankar Prusty remains absconding. He was reportedly in Delhi at the time of the bust and efforts are currently underway to trace and apprehend him.
Permanent Reforms on the Anvil
In the wake of the scandal, the state government is also considering the establishment of a permanent recruitment commission for police and other uniformed services. The proposed body would aim to ensure transparency, accountability, and insulation from external influence in future recruitment processes.
The unfolding scam has raised serious questions about the integrity of recruitment in Odisha’s law enforcement and is likely to have far-reaching implications for both policy and political accountability in the state.
The CBI is expected to formally take over the case in the coming days.
