Argus News - Odisha Police SI Exam Scam: Bail Hearing Shifted To Vigilance Court

Berhampur, Oct 16: In a major development in the Odisha Police Sub-Inspector (SI) recruitment scam, the case has now been transferred to the Brahmapur Vigilance Court. The next bail hearing is scheduled for October 23, 2025, informed Ganjam Public Prosecutor Bishwajit Baral on Thursday.

Earlier, the bail applications of 113 accused candidates were rejected by the Brahmapur Rural Court. These individuals, all aspirants in the controversial SI recruitment exam, had subsequently approached the District Court seeking relief. The District Court has now handed over the case to the Vigilance Court, citing the ongoing investigation by the Crime Branch.

Crime Branch Seeks More Time for Evidence

The Crime Branch, which is probing the multi-crore scam, has requested additional time to submit the case diary and other crucial documents. The investigation has already led to over 120 arrests and exposed an organized criminal syndicate that allegedly manipulated the recruitment process for financial gain.

Background of the SI Exam Scam

Acting on a tip from the Chief Minister's Office, Golanthara police intercepted three buses near the Odisha-Andhra Pradesh border and arrested 114 candidates and three agents for their involvement in a sub-inspector exam paper leak scam.

The candidates were allegedly being transported to Vizianagaram in Andhra Pradesh to receive confidential question papers for the upcoming sub-inspector (SI) written examination

According to sources, Each candidate had agreed to pay up to Rs25 lakh for the question papers, with Rs10 lakh paid upfront and the remaining Rs15 lakh to be paid after they were selected for the job. The Crime Branch has launched a detailed investigation into the racket.

 Also Read: Odisha Police SI Exam Racket Exposed, Investigation Underway

Exam Postponed Amid Investigation

Meanwhile, the Odisha Police Recruitment Board (OPRB) announced the postponement of the written exam for the Combined Police Service Examination-2024, which was scheduled for October 5 and 6. This marks the third postponement of the SI recruitment exam.

“In view of some unforeseen development, the Board decided to postpone the Written Examination CPSE-2024. Fresh dates will be announced later,” the official statement read.

What’s Next?

The Vigilance Judge will hear the bail plea on October 23. Legal experts suggest that the outcome could set a precedent for similar cases in the future. The scam has sparked public outrage and raised serious questions about transparency in police recruitment.