Crime Branch DSP Ratnaprava Satpathy Assigned to Probe SI Exam Scam

Bhubaneswar/Berhampur: In a major development in the Odisha Police Sub-Inspector (SI) recruitment scam, Crime Branch DSP Ratnaprava Satpathy has been entrusted with the investigation of all cases registered at Golnathara police station.

The probe, supervised by Crime Branch SP Anil Beuria, aims to unravel the deep-rooted corruption that has tainted the recruitment process.

Preliminary findings reveal that the exam management contract, initially awarded to a Kolkata-based IT firm, was subcontracted to Silicon Tech Labs in Hyderabad.

This firm further delegated responsibilities to Panchsoft Pvt Ltd in Bhubaneswar, whose director, Shankar Pusti, allegedly orchestrated a racket involving forged documents and political connections.

Police have arrested 114 candidates and three middlemen so far, while the mastermind remains at large. Notably, suspicions have emerged about the involvement of senior police officials, including the son of a former Jail DIG.

Crime Branch teams have conducted raids on multiple offices, seizing critical documents and sealing premises. Marathon interrogations are underway, with investigators focusing on the political and institutional links that enabled the scam.

The investigation marks a crucial step toward restoring integrity in police recruitment and holding accountable those who exploited the system.