Bhubaneswar: The BJP government in Odisha has called for a CBI probe into alleged irregularities in the recruitment of sub-inspectors across various departments, including police and fire services. These irregularities are believed to extend across multiple states and may involve inter-state criminal networks, prompting the need for a CBI investigation, according to a statement from the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO). The statement noted that investigations thus far suggest that the roots of this corruption may reach other states, such as Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal, indicating possible involvement by an organized criminal gang across state lines.
To fully uncover this corruption and ensure that all perpetrators face justice and receive appropriate punishment, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has opted to transfer the investigation to the CBI. Furthermore, the state government is contemplating the establishment of a permanent commission for the recruitment of personnel in police and other uniformed services. To date, 123 individuals, including 114 candidates, have been arrested in connection with the irregularities. Currently, the Crime Branch of the Odisha Police is conducting the investigation. The recruitment exams were initially set for October 5 and 6 but were postponed by the Odisha Police Recruitment Board (OPRB) after the irregularities came to light. A total of 153,000 candidates applied for 933 sub-inspector positions.
The irregularities surfaced after the arrest of 114 candidates and three suspected brokers on the night of September 29 at the Odisha-Andhra Pradesh border, while they were en route to a “special coaching” center in Vizianagaram from Bhubaneswar. Each candidate had reportedly paid Rs 10 lakh to the syndicate and was expected to pay an additional Rs 15 lakh upon securing employment, police reported. Additional brokers have since been apprehended, including associates of the mastermind operating from Delhi, although the mastermind remains at large. Another 110 candidates were set to receive similar ‘coaching’ in Digha, West Bengal, on September 30, but this was canceled due to police intervention in Berhampur.
Meanwhile, Odisha Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan expressed support for the state government’s decision to initiate a CBI investigation into the extensive police Sub-Inspector recruitment scam, calling it a significant step toward ensuring transparency and accountability in the recruitment process. In statements to the media, Harichandan remarked, “The Chief Minister has already announced the CBI probe. This reflects the government’s firm intent to maintain complete transparency in the recruitment process. The ongoing recruitment drive will continue with the highest standards of fairness and integrity.” He added that the government is dedicated to establishing a transparent system, with the commission playing a crucial role in maintaining a clean and credible recruitment process.
Harichandan expressed confidence that no irregularities would be tolerated and that the CBI inquiry would bolster public trust in the government’s recruitment efforts.
