Cuttack: A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed in the Orissa High Court demanding a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the alleged scam in the Odisha Police Sub-Inspector (SI) recruitment examination.
The petition, filed by advocate Shibashankar Mohanty, claims that large-scale irregularities were committed during the SI exam conducted by the Odisha Police Recruitment Board (OPRB). It alleges that the existing investigation by the Crime Branch has not been sufficient to uncover the full extent of the fraud, which reportedly involves transactions worth crores of rupees and links to several influential individuals, including senior officials.
The Crime Branch had earlier arrested 117 candidates and two brokers, followed by several others as the probe progressed. Media reports have also suggested the alleged involvement of a former DIG’s son in the scandal.
The petition contends that the scam appears to be part of a wider organized network extending beyond Odisha, with more than a hundred people suspected to be involved. It states that the case has deeply shaken the trust of educated, unemployed youth who aspire to government service.
Seeking a transparent and impartial investigation, the petitioner has urged the High Court to direct that the case be transferred to the CBI. The plea also requests the court to summon a status report on the current investigation.
The Home Secretary, Director General of Police, Additional Director General of Crime Branch, and the Chairman of OPRB have been made respondents in the case.
The High Court is expected to take up the matter for hearing soon.
