ED Conducts Searches at Nine Locations in Odisha Police SI Recruitment Scam Probe
Bhubaneswar: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday carried out searches at nine locations across Odisha in connection with the alleged Odisha Police Sub-Inspector (SI) recruitment scam, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing investigation into one of the state’s biggest recruitment controversies.
Based on the findings reported by ED Launches Searches at Nine Locations Linked to Odisha Police SI Recruitment Scam, the agency is probing suspected money laundering and financial transactions linked to irregularities in the recruitment process.
The searches were conducted at premises linked to key accused persons, including alleged middleman Munna Mohanty, currently lodged in jail, as well as associates connected to technology firms that were reportedly involved in the examination process.
Investigators are examining financial records and transactions believed to be linked to the recruitment scam.
The scandal came to light after authorities intercepted buses carrying SI aspirants and middlemen near the Odisha-Andhra Pradesh border.
Investigators alleged that candidates were offered assistance in securing recruitment through leaked examination material and other illegal means in exchange for large sums of money.
Following the revelations, the Combined Police Service Examination (CPSE) recruitment process was cancelled, affecting hundreds of vacancies, including a substantial number of Sub-Inspector posts.
The case was initially investigated by the Odisha Crime Branch before being handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) due to its interstate ramifications.
The CBI has already filed charge sheets against several accused and continues to probe the involvement of officials and private entities associated with the recruitment process.
Meanwhile, the ED’s investigation under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) is focused on tracing the alleged proceeds of crime and uncovering the financial network behind the scam.
Officials believe the latest searches could provide crucial evidence regarding the movement of funds and the role of various individuals and organisations linked to the alleged recruitment fraud.
The outcome of the ED probe is expected to further strengthen the ongoing investigations by central agencies.
