The Odisha Police Sub-Inspector (SI) exam scam, one of the state’s largest recruitment scandals, is unraveling with fresh revelations. Investigations are exposing a shadowy syndicate of brokers who profited at the expense of aspirants, while the ambitions of thousands of candidates have been dashed. Key culprits Shankar Prusti and Muna Mohanty remain at large, as ongoing statements reveal the depth of corruption within the network.

Mahanty’s “Dark Empire” and Luxury Purchases

Details about Muna Mohanty’s operations have come to light, showing influence extending to Nayagarh. Police recovered two brand-new tippers at a Dasapalla petrol pump, purchased just months apart, allegedly using bribe money from the SI exam scam. These vehicles, used for illegal sand smuggling, were operated by Sukanta Maharana (alias Rinku), Mohanty’s right-hand man. Sources suggest that the scam’s funds were used for luxury purchases, and following the exposure, Mohanty, Sukanta, and accomplices have fled.

Arrests and Court Proceedings

So far, 119 persons have been arrested, but the primary masterminds remain elusive. After the case was transferred from Brahmapur Court to a Special Vigilance Court, 113 accused appeared for bail today. The court has directed the Crime Branch to submit the charge sheet and all relevant documents without delay, raising questions about whether justice will reach the cheated candidates.

Student Protests and Public Outrage

Student organisations, including the Student Agitation Council, have expressed anger, accusing authorities of deliberate delays to shield powerful figures. Convener Bibhuti Bhushan Mahapatra alleged that Shankar Prusti tipped off Muna Mohanty about his escape. Responding, the Police DG assured that all culprits would be arrested and emphasized that future examinations would be conducted with full transparency.

The Ongoing Hunt

The mega-fraud, described as the biggest recruitment scam in the state, is unfolding like a detective story. Investigations are progressively unmasking the brokers’ black money network, with five intermediaries already behind bars. The pressing question remains: how deep does the corruption go, and will full justice be served?

The post SI Scam Shadows: Shankar’s Sidekick Muna’s Money Machines Unearthed appeared first on Odisha Connect.

Questions Raised Over Question Paper Transport

A new controversy has shaken the Odisha Police SI recruitment exam, targeting private firm Silicon Techlab Pvt Ltd and senior officials. The Odisha Police Recruitment Board (OPRB) had entrusted Silicon Techlab with conducting the examination for 933 SI posts. However, questions have emerged after a company vehicle was seen escorting a police van transporting question papers from Kolkata to Cuttack on September 29. Critics ask why Silicon Techlab was involved in such a sensitive task if it had no role in preparing the papers.

Allegations of Massive Scam Surface

Students Against Corruption (SAC), led by Bibhuti Bhushan Mohapatra, alleged that OPRB chairman Sushant Kumar Nath and a senior IAS officer were complicit in a Rs 150 crore scam. Of the 117 arrested so far, 114 are candidates, while Amiya Behera, son of retired Jail DIG Kulamani Behera, is also among the accused. The opposition BJD has slammed the Crime Branch probe as superficial, demanding a CBI investigation. Reports also mention an IG-level officer who refused to accept a tampered question paper box, fueling suspicions of foul play.

Key Figures and Missing Links

While Silicon Techlab director Suresh Kumar Nayak has been interrogated, the main conspirators remain at large. Brokers Shankar Prusty (Panchsoft Technology) and Munna Mohanty are yet to be apprehended. Questions have also been raised about the State Home Department allowing ITI Limited, the main contractor, to frequently switch partners like Silicon Techlab and Richminds Digital from Gujarat, raising concerns over potential conflicts of interest.

Protests and Calls for Judicial Inquiry

With 1.53 lakh candidates affected, protests have erupted in Bhubaneswar and Berhampur. Concerns are growing that the investigation might be a cover-up to protect influential figures. Activists and opposition leaders are demanding a judicial or CBI probe to ensure accountability and transparency in the recruitment process.

The post Odisha Police SI Exam Scandal: Suspicion Swirls Over Question Paper Leak and Top Officials appeared first on Odisha Connect.

Midnight Raid Uncovers Fraud Network

In a dramatic midnight operation, Berhampur police cracked down on a large-scale cheating racket in the Police Sub-Inspector (SI) recruitment exam, arresting over a dozen suspects. The operation also involved ambulances and medical teams to ensure the health and safety of the accused during the investigation.

Health Checks and Magistrate Scrutiny

A special ambulance squad moved swiftly through the night at the Brahmapur Reserve Police Barracks, conducting health examinations on the suspects. While some were checked inside the barracks, others underwent spot inspections outside, with five fraudsters kept under medical observation to prevent any irregularities. The entire group will soon face scrutiny from the magistrate, ensuring full legal exposure.

Bribe-for-Jobs Scheme Exposed

The investigation revealed a sophisticated bribe-for-jobs network that promised “guaranteed selection” to aspirants, collecting a staggering Rs 29.25 crore. Police recovered Rs 10 lakh as advance hush money, with further deals worth Rs 15 lakh scheduled post-exam. This scheme targeted ambitious candidates, leaving honest aspirants at a disadvantage.

Crackdown on the Telegram Empire

Authorities have also dismantled the Telegram-based network that facilitated the transactions, marking a significant blow to a well-organised criminal operation exploiting the aspirations of young job seekers in Odisha.

The post SI Exam Scandal: Cops Bust Telegram-Fueled Bribe Bonanza, 5 Accused Down with Ailments appeared first on Odisha Connect.