In a major development in the Odisha Sub-Inspector (SI) recruitment scam, the Crime Branch’s CID team conducted an unannounced raid at the Vanik Coaching Institute at CRP Square yesterday, significantly widening the investigation. The team seized a large amount of digital evidence amid growing suspicions of tampering at the examination centre.
Evidence Seized During Raid
The three-hour raid, based on statements from arrested candidates, yielded crucial data from office computers, including records of aspirants trained across Odisha over the past five years, employee information, study patterns of various exam candidates, and bank statements for one year, according to DSP Narendra Behera. He noted that the operation revealed the ‘Jaliyati’ racket to be far more complex than initially anticipated, with potential links among the 12 arrested candidates, six of whom had trained at Vanik.
Speculations of Further Arrests
As the team gathered key leads, tensions ran high. Officials indicated that three more arrests could follow, with notices being issued to key individuals for appearances at the Cuttack office tomorrow, tightening the investigation around the cash-for-jobs syndicate responsible for disrupting thousands of lives.
Institute Denies Allegations
Subrat Chatoi, Managing Director of Vanik, dismissed the allegations, calling the raid a “political conspiracy” linked to his association with a major party. “We have been providing uninterrupted education for 12 years. This is targeted harassment,” he said. While acknowledging that six named aspirants trained at the institute, Chatoi emphasized Vanik’s full cooperation with authorities.
Growing Public Concern
The ongoing probe has intensified public outrage, with protests over the scam escalating. The investigation highlights the deep-rooted corruption in recruitment processes, leaving job aspirants in uncertainty and underscoring the urgent need for swift justice against the culprits.