CBI Unveils Major Odisha Police Recruitment Scam: 16 Accused Named

The Central Bureau of Investigation has filed a preliminary chargesheet in a significant scam involving the Odisha Police sub-inspector examination. Sixteen individuals have been named, including the alleged mastermind, Shankar Prusty. The case, linked to irregularities in the Combined Police Service Examination 2024, came to light after police intercepted buses carrying candidates and alleged middlemen. Investigators suspect a network promising access to leaked question papers for hefty fees. This unfolding story raises serious questions about recruitment integrity in Odisha.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 29, 2025, 16:03 IST

Preliminary Chargesheet Filed in Odisha Police Exam Scam

Bhubaneswar: On Monday, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) reportedly submitted a preliminary chargesheet concerning the alleged scam involving the Odisha Police sub-inspector (SI) examination.

The chargesheet identifies 16 individuals, with Shankar Prusty being highlighted as the alleged mastermind behind the operation.

Other individuals mentioned include Muna Mohanty, Suresh Nayak, Soumya Priyadarshini Samal, Biranchi Nayak, Rinku Maharana, and Nitish Kumar, while the involvement of several additional suspects is still being investigated.

Sources indicate that the chargesheet has been presented to the appropriate court along with corroborating evidence.

This recruitment scam is associated with irregularities in the Combined Police Service Examination (CPSE) 2024, which was organized by the Odisha Police Recruitment Board (OPRB).

The issue surfaced in late September 2025 when law enforcement intercepted three buses near the Odisha–Andhra Pradesh border, which were transporting over 110 SI candidates and several alleged intermediaries. Authorities suspect that this group was en route to acquire leaked examination papers prior to the scheduled test in October, which was later postponed by the state government.

Preliminary investigations by the Crime Branch suggest the presence of a well-organized network that purportedly offered candidates access to leaked question papers for substantial fees. Reports indicate that candidates were solicited to pay between Rs 20 lakh and Rs 25 lakh, with some payments allegedly collected upfront.