Mohan Majhi govt. hands over recruitment scam probe to CBI

The Mohan Majhi government in Odisha has decided to recommend a CBI probe into a massive recruitment scam, in which hundreds of aspirants were allegedly coached on selective questions — an unfair means to secure government jobs — in exchange for crores of rupees.

The decision came days after the Crime Branch of the State police arrested four accused in the case.

According to the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), Mr. Majhi on Wednesday handed over the investigation to the CBI as there were serious allegations of widespread irregularities and corruption in the recruitment examination for Odisha police sub-inspectors.

“The probe was initially entrusted to the Crime Branch. Findings from the investigation so far suggest that the roots of the scam may extend beyond Odisha to Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, and other States. There is also strong suspicion of involvement of inter-State organised criminal gangs in the scam,” the statement noted.

“In view of these developments, and to ensure a thorough and transparent investigation that exposes the entire network behind the corruption and brings all the culprits to justice with exemplary punishment, the Chief Minister decided to entrust the probe to the CBI,” the CMO said.

Additionally, the State government is considering establishment of a permanent commission to oversee the recruitment of personnel for police and other uniformed services.

The matter had come to light when the Berhampur police arrested 114 aspirants while they were taken by buses to Andhra Pradesh to obtain leaked question papers in the upcoming Combined Police Service Examination (CPSE) 2024.