The Odisha government has asked the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to take over the case of corruption in the Police Sub-Inspector (SI) recruitment exam. This decision was made after initial findings showed widespread paper leaks and links to criminal groups across different states. Over 1.53 lakh students had applied for 933 SI posts, and their future now remains uncertain. The exam, which was originally set for October 5–6, 2025 , has been postponed. This step aims to bring back trust in the state's hiring process for government jobs.
Details of the Scam
The state’s own Crime Branch–CID first started looking into the complaints. They found that question papers for the written test were leaked. There was also manipulation in how the exam was conducted by the Odisha Police Recruitment Board (OPRB). The Crime Branch's investigation quickly revealed that the scam was not limited to Odisha. It had deep connections with organised criminal networks operating in states like Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal . This wide network made it difficult for state police alone to handle the case.
Why CBI Stepped In
Because the scam involved multiple states and organised crime groups, the Odisha government decided to involve the CBI. An official statement said this move is to "fully expose the corruption" and ensure strict action against everyone involved. The government wants to uncover the entire network behind the paper leak and cheating, no matter how high up the chain the culprits are. This shows the government's strong will to fight corruption in public services.
Arrests and Evidence
As part of the ongoing investigation, police have arrested more than 120 people so far. These arrests include candidates, middlemen, and other individuals involved in the illegal activities. Authorities caught one group of 114 candidates and their helpers near the Odisha–Andhra Pradesh border. They were reportedly traveling to special coaching centers where they would be given leaked question papers. This shows how organised the scam was, allowing students to get unfair advantages over others who studied hard.
The Crime Branch is also closely examining the role of private companies. The OPRB had hired these agencies to set the exam papers and manage the logistics of the exam. Reports suggest that some of these agencies then gave their work to other smaller, unchecked companies. This might be where the paper leaks started or how they were made easier, putting the entire recruitment process at risk.
Government Response and Future Steps
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi personally ordered the CBI to take over. This decision came after growing worry among the public and calls from political leaders. The Chief Minister emphasized that it is very important to make the police recruitment process honest and fair again for all young people. He assured that his government is serious about cleaning up the system and ensuring justice for deserving candidates.
Looking ahead, the Odisha government is planning to set up a new, dedicated recruitment commission. This new body would be only for police and other uniformed services. The aim is to create a stronger system that can prevent such incidents of paper leaks and corruption in the future. This will help ensure that only deserving candidates get government jobs based on their merit and hard work, rebuilding public trust in the state's hiring process.
