As 2025 draws to a close, Odisha has witnessed a year marred by significant scandals, tragic incidents, and growing concerns around law and order. The state's governance, security apparatus, and public trust have been severely challenged by a series of events that raised questions on the integrity of systems, the safety of citizens, and the need for greater reforms.
The major incidents that shook Odisha in 2025:
1. The Sub-Inspector (SI) Recruitment Scam:
One of the most significant scandals in recent memory, the SI scam rocked Odisha in 2025. The corruption involved in the recruitment process for Sub-Inspector posts in the Odisha Police came to light after the results of the 2021 exam were announced. Allegations surfaced regarding bribery, manipulated results, and leaks of the question paper. Several police personnel, middlemen, and other officials were caught up for accepting bribes to rig results and secure positions for candidates who had failed to meet the required criteria. The Crime Branch launched a detailed investigation, leading to multiple arrests, including police officers and intermediaries. Evidence from raids confirmed the existence of a widespread corruption network, which tarnished the reputation of the Odisha Staff Selection Commission (OSSC) and Odisha Police.
In response, the Odisha government has promised significant reforms to ensure transparency in recruitment, including stricter monitoring and digitization of exams. Legal proceedings are underway, with public protests demanding swift action against those responsible for the scandal.
2. Pitabas Panda Murder Case
The brutal murder of businessman and social figure Pitabas Panda in Berhampur shocked Odisha. Panda, who had been missing for a day, was found dead, with stab wounds and signs of strangulation. The police investigation revealed that financial disputes and property-related conflicts were the likely motives behind the crime. Several people, including business associates and family members, were arrested, with one of the suspects being a close relative. This tragic case underscored the dangerous consequences of unresolved personal and financial rivalries.
3. Cybercrime Targeting Odisha MLA
A major cybercrime incident involving an Odisha MLA and former Information Technology minister further highlighted the growing threat of financial scams in the digital age. The MLA lost Rs 1.4 crore to fraudulent activities orchestrated by a gang posing as trade analysts. The accused lured the victim into investing in high-return IPOs and shares, only to steal the funds. The Crime Branch arrested seven individuals from Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, and the case has drawn attention to the increasing prevalence of cyber fraud in the state.
4. BEd Student’s Tragic Self-Immolations
In a heartbreaking incident, a 20-year-old BEd student from FM Autonomous College in Balasore succumbed to burn injuries after attempting self-immolation. The student had accused an assistant professor at the college of sexual harassment, and it is believed that authorities failed to take adequate action in response to her complaints. The student, after enduring persistent harassment, took the extreme step. The case sparked outrage, leading to the arrest of both the accused professor and the college principal. Calls for justice and stricter action against sexual harassment have echoed across the state.
5. Gangrape Case
One of the most disturbing incidents of the year occurred in the Dhauli area of Bhubaneswar, where a minor girl was gang-raped by several men. The crime came to light when the girl confided in her mother and filed a complaint with the police. Following a detailed investigation under the supervision of the Crime Branch, two of the accused were arrested, with efforts ongoing to apprehend the others. Another shocking gangrape incident took place in Bhubaneswar in December 2025. A 17-year-old girl was allegedly lured to a rented accommodation under the pretext of a job offer. The assault occurred in broad daylight, with the victim managing to escape and report the incident to the police. The swift response of the police led to the arrest of the accused, and forensic evidence collected from the scene played a crucial role in the ongoing investigation. This case has raised alarm over the safety of women and minors in Odisha, urging authorities to take stronger measures to combat such crimes.
