Imagine studying for years to become a police officer. Then discovering some candidates paid crores to get exam answers in advance. This nightmare became real for hundreds in Odisha.
The Shocking Discovery
On September 30, 2024, Berhampur police made a stunning arrest. They stopped buses carrying 114 job seekers to Andhra Pradesh. These candidates weren’t traveling for leisure – they were going to receive leaked question papers for the police sub-inspector exam.
The Combined Police Service Examination (CPSE) 2024 had to be cancelled immediately. What seemed like a local leak soon turned into something much bigger.
How the Scam Worked
- Agents collected ₹20-25 lakh per candidate
- Candidates surrendered original certificates as “security”
- Fake test centers in Andhra and West Bengal
- Organized criminal networks across states
Muna Mohanty, one arrested mastermind, operated from Vizianagaram. His partner Sankar Prusty (still absconding) controlled operations from Delhi. They used blank cheques from candidates as extra insurance.
Government Takes Action
After 4 initial arrests by Odisha Crime Branch, Chief Minister Mohan Majhi made a big decision. On October 23, 2025, he handed the case to India’s top investigative agency – the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
Why CBI Intervention Matters
| Reason | Impact |
|---|---|
| Multi-state network | Crime spread across Andhra, Bengal, Delhi |
| Organized crime links | Possible gang connections |
| High-profile accused | Need for independent investigation |
The CM’s office stated: “To ensure transparent investigation and exemplary punishment, we’ve chosen CBI.” This move came after discovering the scam’s roots extended beyond Odisha.
The Outsourcing Problem
How did the leaks happen? The Odisha Police Recruitment Board outsourced exam work to:
- ITI Limited (Kolkata government company)
- Who gave contract to Silicon Techlab (Bhubaneswar)
- Who then subcontracted to Panchsoft Technologies
A Recruitment Board official admitted: “We had limited capacity despite rules against outsourcing.” ITI Limited now faces questions about their subcontracting decisions.
Money Trail Exposes Scale
With each candidate paying ₹20-25 lakh, investigators estimate:
- Minimum 500 candidates involved
- Scam value exceeding ₹100 crore
- Multiple hawala channels suspected
CID Additional Director General Vinaytosh Mishra revealed: “Prusty monitored everything from Delhi. Different teams handled Andhra and Bengal operations.”
Future Safeguards Planned
The Odisha government isn’t stopping at just this investigation. They’re considering:
- Permanent recruitment commission for police jobs
- Stricter oversight of outsourcing contracts
- Advanced question paper security protocols
This comes as similar scams surface nationwide. Delhi Police recently extended constable recruitment dates after technical glitches raised concerns.
Impact on Genuine Candidates
Over 50,000 aspirants prepared for the cancelled exam. Rina Das, a candidate from Cuttack, shared: “We feel cheated. Years of preparation wasted because some could buy success.”
The CBI will now trace the entire network – from paper leaks to money collection. Their findings could reshape how India conducts government recruitment exams.
As investigations continue, one truth becomes clear: This wasn’t just a leak, but an organized industry preying on young Indians’ job dreams. The Odisha case might finally bring systemic change.
