CBI Unveils Major Charges in Odisha Police SI Exam Scam: Who's Involved?

The Central Bureau of Investigation has filed a preliminary chargesheet in the Odisha Police sub-inspector exam scam, naming 16 suspects, including alleged mastermind Shankar Prusty. The case, linked to irregularities in the Combined Police Service Examination 2024, came to light after police intercepted buses carrying over 110 candidates suspected of attempting to obtain leaked question papers. Investigators have uncovered a network promising access to these papers for hefty fees, raising serious concerns about the integrity of the recruitment process. Read on for more details about this unfolding scandal.

By Ambika Singh Dec 29, 2025, 16:03 IST

CBI Takes Action in Odisha Police Recruitment Scandal

Bhubaneswar: On Monday, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) reportedly submitted a preliminary chargesheet regarding the alleged scam involving the Odisha Police sub-inspector (SI) examination.

Sources indicate that the chargesheet identifies 16 individuals, including the alleged mastermind, Shankar Prusty.

Other individuals mentioned in the document are Muna Mohanty, Suresh Nayak, Soumya Priyadarshini Samal, Biranchi Nayak, Rinku Maharana, and Nitish Kumar. The involvement of several other suspects is still being investigated.

The chargesheet has been filed in the designated court along with corroborating evidence.

This alleged scam is associated with irregularities in the Combined Police Service Examination (CPSE) 2024, which was organized by the Odisha Police Recruitment Board (OPRB), according to officials.

The case emerged in late September 2025 when police intercepted three buses near the Odisha–Andhra Pradesh border, which were transporting over 110 SI candidates and several suspected middlemen. Investigators believe this group was en route to acquire leaked exam papers ahead of the scheduled examination in October, which was later postponed by the state government.

Preliminary investigations by the Crime Branch suggest the presence of a well-organized network that allegedly offered candidates access to leaked question papers for substantial fees. Reports indicate that candidates were asked to pay between Rs 20 lakh and Rs 25 lakh, with some payments reportedly made in advance.