Massive Scam Rocks Odisha Police Recruitment
Odisha’s aspirants for fair policing have been cheated by a slick syndicate selling SI badges for Rs 20.25 lakh each. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced on Wednesday a speedy CBI investigation into the Police Sub-Inspector recruitment scam, which has links spanning Bhubaneswar, Andhra Pradesh, and West Bengal.
Organised Crime Behind the Recruitment Maze
The Combined Police Service Examination (CPSE), 2024, has faced scandal twice in eight months, including question paper theft leading to exam cancellation. Crime Branch officers revealed the alleged mastermind, Sankar Prusty, director of Panchsoft Technologies Pvt Ltd, Patia, orchestrated operations with aides Muna Mohanty and Srikanta Moharana (Rinku). Their method involved:
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Grabbing question papers
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Conducting secret “selective leak” sessions in Vijayanagaram
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Transporting candidates to rigged rehearsals in Digha
Authorities intercepted 117 candidates en route to Andhra and 110 candidates escaping via West Bengal.
123 Arrested, Questions Remain
Currently, 123 people are in custody: 114 aspirants and nine middlemen. However, authorities still face questions:
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How much money changed hands and who profited?
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How were medical tests and interviews rigged?
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Does an interstate gang exist controlling the network?
Political Fallout Intensifies
A raid on a BJD-linked coaching centre in Bhubaneswar escalated tensions, with the BJP blaming the opposition. Meanwhile, BJD and Congress demand the government’s resignation, accusing it of negligence and lack of effective action.