Odisha Hands Over Police SI Exam Scam Probe to CBI After Cross-State Racket Exposed

Over 1.53 lakh aspirants competing for 933 Sub-Inspector posts now face uncertainty as the recruitment drive unravels amid revelations of leaked papers and inter-state corruption links.

The Odisha government has formally handed over the investigation into alleged irregularities in the Police Sub-Inspector Recruitment Examination to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), following findings by the Crime Branch–CID that revealed connections extending to Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, and other states.

An official statement shared by the Information and Public Relations Department on X said the decision was aimed at “fully exposing the corruption” and ensuring strict action against all involved. Preliminary probes suggest the involvement of organised criminal networks in the recruitment scam.

The investigation began after reports emerged of leaked question papers and manipulation in the written test conducted by the Odisha Police Recruitment Board (OPRB). The exam, originally scheduled for October 5–6, 2025, has been postponed.

Authorities intercepted buses carrying 114 candidates and intermediaries near the Odisha–Andhra Pradesh border while they were reportedly heading to “special coaching” centres using leaked papers. More than 120 arrests have been made so far in connection with the case.

The Crime Branch is also scrutinising the role of private agencies hired by the OPRB for paper setting and logistics, some of which reportedly subcontracted the work further.

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has ordered CBI probe amid growing public concern and political pressure, stressing on need to restore integrity in state’s police recruitment process.

Odisha govt is also exploring establishment of a dedicated recruitment commission for police and uniformed services to prevent similar incidents in future.