Bhubaneswar, Oct 3: The Odisha Police Sub-Inspector (SI) recruitment scam continues to unravel, with the arrest of Amiya Kumar Behera, son of Kulamani Behera, former DIG (Prisons), adding a new layer of controversy. The arrest has intensified political tensions and triggered demands for a full-scale investigation into high-level involvement.

Kulamani Behera retired in March 2025 after a 31-year career in the police force, beginning as Assistant Jailer in 1993 and rising to the rank of DIG. His son’s arrest has prompted opposition parties to demand a deeper probe into the financial dealings of senior officials.

Congress Alleges Unaccounted Wealth

Odisha Congress spokesperson Bibhuti Mohapatra alleged that the former DIG had amassed unaccounted wealth, enabling him to provide his son with Rs25–30 lakh, allegedly linked to the scam. The party has called for a thorough investigation into Behera’s assets and the broader network of officials potentially involved.

Mohapatra also claimed that a “cash-for-jobs” system has infiltrated the state’s recruitment processes, undermining merit and transparency.

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.

Arrests and Expanding Probe

So far, 114 candidates and three middlemen have been arrested in connection with the case. Reports suggest that 10 to 12 more brokers may be involved, with the Crime Branch actively tracing their links.

Two individuals — Suresh Nayak, owner of Silicon Solutions, and the manager of Panchatatwa PCT — were interrogated at the Crime Branch headquarters. The prime suspect, Shankar Prusty, is currently absconding.

Political Fallout and Public Reaction

The scam has sparked a political storm, with opposition parties accusing the government of shielding influential figures. Allegations of a “cash-for-jobs” network have raised concerns about systemic corruption in recruitment processes.

As the Crime Branch intensifies its investigation, public pressure is mounting for transparency, accountability, and structural reforms. The case is being closely watched across Odisha, with implications for governance and public trust.

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