Coaching Centre Under Crime Branch Scanner in SI Recruitment Scam
Bhubaneswar, Oct 10: The Odisha Crime Branch has intensified its investigation into the Sub-Inspector (SI) recruitment scam, zeroing in on a prominent private coaching institute, Banik, based in Bhubaneswar.
The institute allegedly trained candidates involved in the irregularities surrounding the Odisha Police Recruitment Board (OPRB) examination.
Three senior staff members of Banik appeared before the Crime Branch headquarters in Cuttack today, following a formal summons. They are currently being interrogated in connection with the scam.
According to Crime Branch DSP Narendra Behera, the raid and questioning were initiated based on statements from 10 individuals.
Investigators are attempting to recover crucial data from the coaching centre’s servers, which have reportedly been down, complicating the process.
Sources suggest that more employees from Banik may be summoned as the probe deepens. The investigation aims to determine whether SI aspirants received unauthorised training or assistance that compromised the integrity of the recruitment process.
In parallel, the Odisha government has directed all recruitment boards and commissions to submit detailed reports on exams cancelled since June 2024.
These reports are to be sent via email to the General Administration and Public Grievance Department, signalling a broader crackdown on examination-related malpractices.
