Argus News - Odisha Police SI Exam Scam: Bail Pleas of All 119 Accused Rejected

Berhampur, Oct 8: In a major development in the alleged scam in Odisha Police Sub-Inspector (SI) recruitment examination, the Brahmapur District and Sessions Court on Wednesday rejected the bail applications of all 119 accused individuals, informed Public Prosecutor Biswajit Baral.

The case, which has drawn widespread attention across the state, involves allegations of mass cheating and manipulation during the Odisha Police SI recruitment examination process.

Court Transfers All Accused to Judicial Custody

Of the 119 accused, 114 are candidates who appeared for the SI exam, while five are alleged middlemen involved in orchestrating the fraud. Following the court’s decision, all individuals have been transferred to Brahmapur judicial custody. The bail rejection signals a firm stance by the judiciary against corruption in recruitment examinations.

Background of the Scam

Acting on a tip-off, a special team from Golonthara Police Station tracked three buses that had departed from Bhubaneswar’s Baramunda area, carrying aspirants from various districts. The candidates were reportedly being taken for coaching and exam manipulation. Visuals of the buses and the arrests have surfaced, revealing the scale of the operation.

According to sources, the aspirants had paid advance amounts to the middlemen, with promises of securing SI jobs. Further payments were to be made after appointment. The Crime Branch has launched a detailed investigation into the racket.

Also Read: Odisha Police SI Exam Racket Exposed, Investigation Underway

Exam Postponed Amid Investigation

Meanwhile, the Odisha Police Recruitment Board (OPRB) announced the postponement of the written exam for the Combined Police Service Examination-2024, which was scheduled for October 5 and 6. This marks the third postponement of the SI recruitment exam.

“In view of some unforeseen development, the Board decided to postpone the Written Examination CPSE-2024. Fresh dates will be announced later,” the official statement read.

Private Firms Under Scrutiny

The Odisha Police Recruitment Board (OPRB) had outsourced the SI exam to ITI Private Limited, which further delegated the task to Silicon Solutions Pvt. Ltd. That firm, in turn, handed over operations to Panchatatwa PCT Limited. The chain of outsourcing has raised serious concerns about accountability and transparency in the recruitment exams.

Two individuals — Suresh Nayak, owner of Silicon Solutions, and the manager of Panchatatwa PCT — were among the arrested. However, the prime suspect, Shankar Prusty, is currently absconding.