Bhubaneswar, Dec 19: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) initiated a four-day custodial interrogation on Friday of three key suspects involved in the Odisha Police Sub-Inspector (SI) recruitment examination scam. The interrogation follows approval from a special CBI court, as the agency intensifies its investigation into alleged irregularities in the recruitment process.
The main accused, Shankar Prusty, along with his associates Suresh and Sagar, were taken on remand from Jharpada jail in Bhubaneswar. According to sources, the CBI is focusing on tracing financial transactions, uncovering operational links, and identifying intermediaries suspected of manipulating the examination process.
Investigators are particularly scrutinizing large sums of money allegedly involved in the recruitment scam. The agency is also probing the role of Silicon Tech Lab, the company allegedly responsible for printing the question papers and managing their transportation to exam centres. The CBI aims to uncover how the papers were accessed, transported, or compromised.
Interrogation sessions are set to include face-to-face questioning of Shankar and Suresh to understand the division of responsibilities, how candidates were contacted, and whether exam logistics were misused for unlawful gains. Sagar, described as a close associate and caretaker of Shankar, is also being questioned about his involvement in coordinating activities at specific examination centres, including one at Digha.
The CBI has also suggested that this SI recruitment exam may not be the only one affected, as evidence points to the use of similar methods in previous recruitment exams. The agency has informed the court that further revelations could lead to the summoning of more individuals connected to the accused or suspected of involvement.
Additionally, the CBI has seized 133 mobile phones from arrested candidates and alleged middlemen, which will be examined as part of the ongoing investigation.
The three accused—Shankar, Suresh, and Sagar will remain in CBI custody until December 22, as per the special court's remand order.
