BJD to Launch Agitation Demanding CBI Probe into Odisha Police SI Recruitment Scam

Bhubaneswar, Oct 4: The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) today announced plans to launch a statewide agitation demanding a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the Odisha Police Sub-Inspector (SI) recruitment scam, citing alleged involvement of state authorities.

Speaking to reporters, BJD senior general secretary Prithiranjan Ghadei and Biju Yuva Janata Dal president Chinmaya Sahoo argued that since the scam occurred within the police department, the Crime Branch—being part of the same department—cannot conduct an impartial investigation.

Ghadei highlighted that the recruitment exam, initially assigned to an ITI institution, was later outsourced to two different agencies. He demanded that the Odisha government clarify its outsourcing policy and explain why an inexperienced firm like Panchsoft was entrusted with the recruitment process.

“The outsourcing process appears deliberately designed to facilitate corruption,” Ghadei alleged. He further urged that the Chairman of the Odisha Police Recruitment Board (OPRB) and the Principal Secretary of the Home Department also be included in the investigation.

Ghadei expressed concern for the thousands of unemployed youth affected by the scam, asserting that a CBI investigation is the only way to ensure fairness. He also called on Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi to hand over the probe to the CBI to demonstrate his integrity.

Sahoo claimed that the scam was state-sponsored, citing the sudden cancellation of the written exam scheduled for March 7-8 this year without explanation. According to him, the process was outsourced to Panchsoft, which allegedly collected advance payments of Rs 10 lakh from candidates and an additional Rs 15 lakh after appointment. Candidates were reportedly asked to deposit their original certificates as security before being transported from Brahmapur to Srikakulam, with some facing arrests when they refused.

Meanwhile, the CPI(M) Odisha unit has demanded a judicial inquiry into the scam and stringent action against those involved. State secretary Subash Chandra Panigrahi stated that the party would launch a statewide agitation seeking a judicial probe, criticizing the current BJP government for allegedly turning the recruitment process into a lucrative business that has jeopardized the aspirations of thousands of candidates.

The controversy has intensified calls for accountability and transparency in the state’s recruitment process, with political parties pressing for independent investigations to restore public trust.