Argus News - Odisha SI Exam Scam: Know About Token Deals And Rs25 Lakh Promises

Bhubaneswar, Nov 5: The alleged recruitment scam in the Odisha Police Sub-Inspector (SI) examination has exposed a deep-rooted nexus involving brokers, leaked question papers, and possible political links.

The Odisha Crime Branch has arrested key accused, including alleged mastermind Shankar Prusty and broker Aravind Das, who are currently in five-day remand for further interrogation.

The Modus Operandi

The scam unraveled after a candidate revealed how a local broker approached him weeks before the SI exam. Claiming guaranteed selection for Rs25 lakh, the broker convinced the candidate and his family by citing previous successful placements in the region. The deal included access to the leaked question paper and a promise of post-exam coaching to ensure performance.

A token-based system was reportedly used to manage payments and candidate tracking. The candidate, along with others, was taken to Bhubaneswar and then to Vizianagaram by bus on September 29. However, police intercepted the group enroute, leading to the exposure of the racket.

Also Read: SI Exam Scam: Shankar Prusty’s Explosive Statement Sparks Political Storm

Munna Mahanty’s Alleged Role

Shockingly, the candidate later discovered that the person who first contacted him was the son of Munna Mahanty — a name now surfacing as a key facilitator in the scam. Munna allegedly coordinated deals and ensured delivery of leaked papers, acting as a middleman between candidates and the core network.

Mastermind in Custody

Shankar, the alleged mastermind, was seen smiling while being taken to court — a chilling image of a man accused of jeopardizing thousands of careers. Legal experts suggest that a CBI probe could unearth deeper layers of corruption and political protection.