Bhubaneswar: October 4
In a recent advancement about the Odisha Police SI recruitment scam, the Crime Branch has apprehended two additional suspects who purportedly served as intermediaries in the extensive scheme.
The two are scheduled to appear in court later today, according to sources. Crucial digital evidence has also been seized by investigators, which should aid in discovering the larger fraud network.
Even though these arrests represent a major step forward, the alleged scammers, Shankar Prusty and Muna Mohanty, have managed to avoid capture despite the Crime Branch’s best efforts.
The arrested individuals are believed to have orchestrated the sale of police jobs, reportedly demanding Rs 25 lakh per candidate, and exploiting aspirants through a network of brokers.
114 applicants and three intermediaries have been detained by the Crime Branch so far on suspicion of tampering with the Odisha Police SI hiring procedure. According to preliminary investigations, candidates were taken away from the state for “special coaching,” and their certificates were purportedly kept as security until the money was paid.
It is reported that the aspirants were transported to certain locations (beyond Odisha) purportedly to acquire question papers for the SI recruitment examination and secure a ‘assured selection.’ The investigation is underway, and the precise modus operandi may be disclosed later by the Odisha Police.
According to reports, ITI Ltd. was given the task by the Odisha Police Recruitment Board (OPRB), which then subcontracted it to Silicon Technology and then to Panchsoft Pvt. Ltd., which is purportedly run by Shankar Prusty. The recruitment process’s accountability and transparency were seriously thrown into doubt by this multi-layered subcontracting.
The case has prompted widespread concern among legitimate aspirants and student bodies regarding corruption in government recruitment processes. Political debate regarding this matter has initiated. The government’s efficacy in managing such recruitments has been heavily criticised by Biju Janata Dal.
