ED Raids 12 Locations in Odisha SI Exam Paper Leak Probe, Corporate Links Under Scanner
Bhubaneswar: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has intensified its investigation into the Odisha Police Sub-Inspector (SI) Recruitment Examination paper leak case by conducting searches at 12 locations across Odisha and West Bengal.
The raids are part of an ongoing money laundering probe linked to the alleged recruitment scam.
According to officials, the searches led to the seizure of digital devices, financial records, property-related documents and other materials suspected to be connected to the illegal activities surrounding the recruitment examination.
The case pertains to the alleged leakage of question papers for the Odisha Police SI Recruitment Examination. Investigators suspect that a well-organised network facilitated access to confidential exam content in exchange for large sums of money.
Reports indicate that candidates were allegedly asked to pay between ₹15 lakh and ₹30 lakh for access to leaked question papers and coaching arrangements.
The scam came under public scrutiny after law enforcement agencies intercepted buses carrying candidates to training locations where leaked examination materials were allegedly distributed.
Investigators also found evidence suggesting that original certificates and signed blank cheques were collected from candidates as security.
The ED is now examining the financial trail behind the operation and the role of private firms involved in the examination process.
Investigators are scrutinising alleged unauthorised sharing of confidential candidate information and possible irregularities in contractual arrangements related to exam administration.
Particular attention is being given to Silicon Techlab Pvt. Ltd. (STPL), which was associated with the conduct of the examination through a subcontracting arrangement.
The agency is also investigating transactions linked to another technology firm, Panchsoft Technologies Pvt. Ltd., as part of its efforts to uncover the broader conspiracy.
Officials suspect that financial irregularities, corporate dealings and data-sharing practices may have played a significant role in facilitating the examination leak.
The investigation has expanded beyond the paper leak itself to include allegations of money laundering and corporate misconduct.
With the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) already probing the criminal aspects of the case, the ED’s findings are expected to further strengthen efforts to identify the beneficiaries of the alleged scam and recover proceeds generated through illegal activities.
The probe remains underway, and more summonses and searches are likely as agencies continue tracking the money trail and uncovering the full extent of the recruitment scam.
