Centre approves CBI probe into SI recruitment scam

Bhubaneswar: The Centre on Tuesday gave its nod to a CBI investigation into the alleged multi-crore scam related to the recently cancelled police sub-inspector (SI) recruitment examinations in Odisha.

This decision follows a formal request made by the state govt on Oct 22 for a CBI probe.The department of personnel and training (DoPT) has issued a notification, paving the way for the transfer of the case from the state crime branch to the CBI. The notification states, “In exercise of power conferred under the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act, the Central govt, with the consent of the Odisha govt, extends the powers of the jurisdiction of the members of Delhi Special Police Establishment over the entire state of Odisha for investigation, supervision, and other required actions.

”Chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi’s office confirmed the development, stating, “The CM had recommended a CBI investigation to the central govt, which has now been approved. The CBI will investigate the attempts, patronage, and conspiracy for corruption in this case.” The CMO highlighted the importance of a CBI probe to dismantle the alleged corruption network, which is suspected to have inter-state implications involving an organised gang.

So far, 125 people, including 114 candidates, were arrested by Berhampur police and the crime branch in connection with the scam. Among the accused are Shankar Prusty, owner of a private company, and Suresh Nayak, promoter of another company. These companies were reportedly involved in conducting the recruitment, which was cancelled on Sept 30, ahead of the exam’s scheduled dates of Oct 5 and 6. The accused allegedly conspired to solicit bribes ranging from Rs 15 lakh to Rs 25 lakh from candidates in exchange of exam questions.

Prusty previously suggested that the scale of the scam could exceed Rs 1,000 crore. Centre approves CBI probe into Odisha police SI recruitment scam.