Bhubaneswar, Oct 9: In a major development in the ongoing investigation into the alleged Police Sub-Inspector (SI) recruitment scam, the Odisha Crime Branch on Thursday raided the ‘Vanik’ Coaching Centre near CRP Square in Bhubaneswar.

The raid was prompted by credible intelligence suggesting the institute’s involvement in facilitating exam irregularities and candidate manipulation.

Political Links and Allegations Surface
The coaching centre reportedly belongs to BJD leader Subrat Chhatoi, raising political eyebrows amid the controversy. Sources claim the institute may have played a role in exam fixing, helping candidates gain unfair advantages during the recruitment process. Officials are currently scrutinizing documents and digital records to determine the extent of involvement.

Also Read: Odisha Police SI Exam Scam: Bail Pleas of All 119 Accused Rejected

Mass Arrests and Bail Rejections
The investigation gained momentum after the arrest of 119 individuals, including 114 aspirants, on the night of September 30. Acting on a tip-off, a special team from Golonthara Police Station intercepted three buses departing from Bhubaneswar’s Baramunda area, allegedly transporting aspirants from various districts for coaching and exam manipulation.

The Brahmapur District and Sessions Court rejected bail applications for all accused yesterday, as confirmed by Public Prosecutor Biswajit Baral.

Exam Postponed Amid Scandal
Meanwhile, the Odisha Police Recruitment Board (OPRB) postponed the written exam for the Combined Police Service Examination-2024, originally scheduled for October 5 and 6. The board cited “unforeseen developments” and assured that fresh dates will be announced soon.