In a significant development in the ongoing Sub-Inspector (SI) recruitment examination scandal, officers from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Saturday interrogated a Superintendent of Police (SP)-rank officer associated with the Odisha Police Recruitment Board (OPRB). The federal agency has also summoned three more individuals for questioning as it deepens its probe into the alleged irregularities.
Focus on Tender Award and Norm Violations
CBI officials revealed that the questioning of the senior police officer primarily revolved around the process of awarding the tender for conducting the recruitment examination and whether established norms and procedures were strictly followed. The agency is scrutinizing the role of Silicon Tech Lab Private Ltd, the firm that was contracted to handle the examination process.
An investigating officer stated that the probe aims to determine how OPRB authorized the firm, allegedly led by accused Suresh Nayak, to manage such a critical recruitment drive. The CBI is examining whether Silicon Tech Lab adhered to all mandated protocols during the examination.
Syndicate Involvement and Mastermind Interrogation
Investigators suspect the involvement of a larger syndicate behind the scam. A teacher is alleged to have managed a substantial part of the fraudulent examination process and has been summoned by the CBI to clarify his role. The agency is concurrently conducting extensive interrogation of two key accused: alleged mastermind Shankar Prusty and Suresh Nayak. Both have been taken on a four-day remand as the CBI works to unravel the full extent of the conspiracy.
The scam first came to light following numerous complaints of malpractice. Investigations uncovered that question papers were leaked beforehand, and several candidates purportedly paid large sums of money to secure their selection. Over 100 people, including candidates and intermediaries, have already been arrested in connection with the case.
Background and Previous Arrest
Prior to the CBI taking over the investigation, the Odisha Crime Branch had made a crucial arrest. On November 1, the state agency apprehended alleged mastermind Shankar Prusty from Uttarakhand, near the Nepal border. Prusty, who had been evading capture since the scam surfaced, was located after weeks of surveillance and coordinated efforts. He was subsequently brought to Odisha on transit remand for detailed questioning.
The CBI's current actions mark a decisive phase in the probe, focusing on administrative lapses within the recruitment board and the operational conduct of the external agency hired for the examination. The investigation continues to expand as the agency pieces together the chain of events and identifies all responsible parties.
