Odisha SI Recruitment Scam: Key Middleman Arrested
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has made its first arrest in the Odisha sub-inspector recruitment scam. Biranchi Kumar Nayak, 43, was apprehended on Friday and is believed to be a key middleman in the fraudulent scheme.
Details of the Arrest and Allegations
Nayak, a resident of the Kalarahanga area near Patia in Bhubaneswar, is accused of approaching candidates for the Combined Police Service Examination 2024. He allegedly promised them access to the exam questions in exchange for money.
Scam Prompted Exam Cancellation
The recruitment drive aimed to fill 933 positions, including:
- 609 Police Sub-Inspectors (SIs)
- 253 Armed SIs
- 47 Fire Station Officers
- 24 Assistant Jailers
However, the recruitment process was abruptly cancelled on September 30, just days before the scheduled exams on October 5 and 6, due to allegations of corruption.
Travel to West Bengal
According to a CBI source, Nayak allegedly took some aspirants to Digha and Sunderban in West Bengal in March of this year. He is also suspected of colluding with other middlemen to lure candidates into the scheme.
Investigation Uncovers Involvement
Nayak's alleged involvement came to light during the interrogation of Biswa Ranjan Behera, Lokanath Sahoo, Fafim Ahammad Khan and Biswaranjan Harichandan, who were taken on a three-day remand by CBI on November 26.
The CBI's investigation is ongoing, and further arrests are possible as they continue to unravel the extent of the scam.
