Odisha CM Orders CBI Probe into Police SI Recruitment Scam with Suspected Interstate Criminal Links
Bhubaneswar, October 22, 2025: In a decisive move to unearth a sprawling corruption network, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has approved handing over the investigation into the controversial Police Sub-Inspector (SI) recruitment exam to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
The decision comes amid mounting evidence of widespread irregularities and corruption in the Odisha Police Sub-Inspector recruitment process. Initially, the probe was assigned to the Crime Branch of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID). However, preliminary findings have revealed that the scam’s tentacles may extend beyond Odisha, potentially implicating other states including Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal. Authorities suspect the involvement of inter-state organised criminal gangs, raising alarms about a coordinated syndicate exploiting recruitment exams across regions.
“Considering the gravity of these revelations, the Chief Minister has directed that the full investigation be transferred to the CBI to ensure a thorough exposure of the corruption and to bring all perpetrators to justice through exemplary punishment,” an official statement from the Chief Minister’s Office said.
The scandal has been under intense public scrutiny since allegations first surfaced, highlighting systemic vulnerabilities in the state’s recruitment mechanisms. The handover to the CBI is expected to leverage the agency’s expertise in tackling multi-state crimes, ensuring a more robust and impartial inquiry.
In a related development, the state government is contemplating the establishment of a permanent commission dedicated to handling recruitments in the police and other uniformed services. This proposed body aims to streamline selections, enhance transparency, and prevent future malpractices in sensitive public sector hiring.
As the CBI steps in, all eyes will be on whether this probe can dismantle the alleged criminal web and restore faith in the recruitment process.
