Bhubaneswar, Odisha : The Odisha Police SI recruitment scam, which is now widely known as the Police SI Exam Scam, has taken yet another dramatic turn, as the Crime Branch arrested another accused in connection with the sensational question paper leak. The latest arrest adds a new twist to the ongoing investigation into the Police Sub-Inspector (SI) recruitment examination scam in Odisha, which has rocked the state’s law enforcement system. The Police SI Exam Scam continues to unravel.
The accused has been identified as Biswaranjan Behera, who is alleged to be an active member of the organized gang. As per sources, Behera is a close associate of the prime accused, Shankar Prusty. His arrest brings new dimensions to a scandal that has already rocked the state’s recruitment system. This development provides more insight into the complex Police SI Exam Scam.
With Behera’s arrest, the total number of people taken into custody in this case has now reached 117. This number itself reflects the massive scale of the Police SI Exam Scam and the wide network of people involved.
Crime Branch officials said Behera had played a significant role in the illegal distribution of leaked question papers. His close connection with Prusty gave him access to confidential exam materials. He was allegedly responsible for circulating papers to selected candidates in exchange for money.
There are strong suspicions of interstate gang involvement. The Crime Branch has been probing possible links to organized groups from neighbouring states. Officials are analyzing data to trace the digital footprints of the accused. Mobile call records, WhatsApp chats, and bank transactions are being examined. The scale of the Police SI Exam Scam is becoming clearer.
Laptops, pen drives, and mobile phones of the accused are now under forensic examination and are expected to reveal the exact trail of the leaked question papers. The investigation has also unearthed several financial transactions that point towards hawala operations. Funds collected from candidates were allegedly routed through multiple channels to hide the source.
The scam has left thousands of aspirants frustrated and demoralized. The manipulation of the exam process has raised serious questions on fairness and transparency. Student organizations and civil society groups have demanded strict action against all culprits.
The case has also put the Odisha Police Recruitment Board (OPRB) under the scanner. The OPRB is the official body responsible for conducting the SI recruitment examinations. Allegations have been raised about lapses in its internal monitoring system. The Crime Branch has questioned several officials of the Board.
The Crime Branch summoned OPRB SP Balabhadra Deep. He was asked to explain the measures taken to safeguard the secrecy of the question papers. Sources say he was grilled for several hours regarding the movement of question papers before the exam. Investigators wanted to know how confidential papers were leaked despite strict protocols.
Officials are also checking CCTV footage of printing presses and strong rooms where question papers were stored. In addition, the Crime Branch conducted a detailed meeting at the office of the DG Prisons. The objective was to coordinate evidence collection and analyze loopholes in the system. The DG’s office has also forwarded important information to the State Home Department.
Meanwhile, OPRB Chairman Sushant Nath has said that the department is fully cooperating with investigators. He assured that no guilty person would be spared and appealed to aspirants not to panic. The ongoing Police SI Exam Scam investigation continues to reveal new information.
The SI exam scam has become a political issue as well. Opposition parties have accused the government of failing to protect the integrity of recruitment. Several leaders have demanded a CBI probe.
The Home Department has also assured that strict punishment will be ensured. This case may reshape recruitment policies, and the department is reportedly preparing a roadmap for safer exams, following the exposure of the Police SI Exam Scam.
