Bhubaneswar, Dec 23: The CBI has intensified its investigation into the SI examination fraud case after taking the alleged mastermind Shankar Prusti, Silicon Tech Lab promoter Suresh Nayak, and his close associate Sagar Goud on a four-day remand. During the remand period, investigators reportedly obtained crucial and sensitive information from Prusti.

The probe has revealed the alleged involvement of certain political leaders and IPS officers in the scam. A former Director General of Prisons has also come under the CBI’s scanner, pointing to the possible involvement of senior officials in the racket.

Meanwhile, the CBI has arrested another middleman in the case. The accused has been identified as Amit Bharti, a resident of Bihar. He was arrested on Sunday and produced before a court on Monday.

According to CBI sources, Amit Bharti’s role came to light during the interrogation of Silicon Tech Lab promoter Suresh Nayak. Investigators found that lakhs of rupees were transferred to Amit’s accounts. It is alleged that he converted the money into cash and routed it back to Suresh Nayak. Officials said Amit was one of several individuals based outside the state who were allegedly used by Shankar Prusti and Suresh Nayak to carry out financial transactions linked to the exam fraud.

The agency has also moved the court seeking remand of more accused persons in the case. In addition, the CBI has issued summons to candidates who were earlier arrested and later released on bail. They are being questioned to ascertain how much money they paid, to whom the payments were made, and the mode of transaction, as the investigation into the widespread examination scam continues.