Bhubaneswar: In a significant development concerning the Odisha Police Sub-Inspector (SI) recruitment scam, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has recommended a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe to ensure a thorough and impartial investigation into the multi-crore racket that has undermined the state’s recruitment system.
According to a release from the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), the decision was made following a high-level review meeting chaired by the Chief Minister. This move comes in response to findings from the Crime Branch that suggest possible involvement of organised criminal syndicates operating across multiple states.
“The investigation thus far has indicated that the reach of this scam may extend to Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, and other states. There is also suspicion regarding the involvement of inter-state organised criminal gangs,” the CMO statement reads.
“Keeping this in mind, and to ensure that all those involved are brought to justice with exemplary punishment, the Chief Minister has decided to hand over the investigation to the CBI,” it added.
The CMO further stated that the government is considering establishing a permanent commission for recruitment to the police and other uniformed services to prevent such irregularities in the future.
The transfer of the case to the CBI is viewed as a crucial step towards restoring transparency and public trust in the recruitment system.
“This decision reflects the Chief Minister’s commitment to uncover the full extent of the corruption and to ensure strict action against all those responsible,” said a senior government official.
The recruitment scam first came to light on September 27 when massive irregularities were detected in the Odisha Police SI recruitment examination conducted by the Odisha Police Recruitment Board (OPRB) under the Combined Police Service Examination (CPSE)-2024.
The scam was exposed when Berhampur Police intercepted three buses in neighbouring Andhra Pradesh on the night of September 29, carrying 114 candidates and three agents allegedly linked to the racket.
Subsequent investigations led to the arrest of 123 individuals, including candidates, brokers, and intermediaries. Officials reported that the accused collected large sums—ranging from ₹20 to ₹25 lakh—from aspirants in exchange for leaked question papers and guaranteed selection.
The syndicate was allegedly masterminded by Shankar Prusty, director of Panchsoft Technologies Pvt Ltd, a Bhubaneswar-based IT firm involved in the examination process. Prusty is believed to have coordinated the entire operation through a network of agents who approached aspirants, collected their original documents and blank cheques, and facilitated access to leaked question papers.
Prime Accused on the Run
Despite several arrests, the main accused, Shankar Prusty, remains at large. Investigators suspect he fled India via Nepal shortly after the scam was uncovered and is currently hiding in Dubai. A special look-out circular has been issued, and efforts are underway to locate him.
The Crime Branch had previously arrested four key individuals, including one of the prime accused, during its investigation. However, the absence of Prusty, who allegedly played a central role in the operation, continues to impede the progress of the investigation.
High Court Rejects Anticipatory Bail Pleas
In a parallel legal development, the Orissa High Court on Wednesday rejected the anticipatory bail pleas filed by Shankar Prusty and his wife, Deeptimayee Sahu, both of whom are accused in the case.
The court directed Deeptimayee Sahu to appear before the trial court and apply for regular bail as per procedure. Police sources confirmed that both have been absconding since the day the scam was revealed.
Impact on Recruitment Process
The Odisha Police Recruitment Board has postponed the fresh recruitment schedule for the Sub-Inspector (SI) posts, which was originally slated for October 5–6, 2025. Authorities stated that the examination will be rescheduled only after substantial progress is made in the investigation and new safeguards are implemented.
The massive scam has triggered widespread outrage across Odisha, raising serious concerns about the credibility and transparency of competitive recruitment examinations in the state.
Opposition parties have demanded accountability from senior officials associated with the OPRB, claiming that the extent of the leak indicates possible administrative complicity. Meanwhile, the government has assured that strict action will be taken against all individuals and institutions found guilty.
With the case likely to be taken over by the CBI, a more extensive probe is expected to uncover interstate linkages and financial trails associated with the racket. The Majhi government’s move is being viewed as a crucial step towards reforming recruitment systems and restoring public faith in the integrity of state examinations.
