Bhubaneswar, Nov 29: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has unearthed a massive conspiracy in the Odisha Police Sub-Inspector (SI) recruitment scam, revealing interstate links and identifying Bihar-based Jayant Yadav as the alleged mastermind. The revelations came after intensive interrogation of four middlemen currently in custody, officials said on Saturday.

CBI Interrogation Reveals Network

During questioning, the CBI discovered that the scam involved hundreds of candidates and a well-organized racket spanning Odisha, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Delhi, and Jharkhand. The four accused—Loknath Sahu, Tafim Ahmed Khan, Biswajit Harichandan, and SSB jawan Biswaranjan Senapati—were found to have direct links with Jayant Yadav and another key figure, Shankar Prusti.

Role of Middlemen

Loknath, who worked as a driver for prime accused Muna Mahanty, allegedly recruited candidates under Mahanty’s instructions. He later roped in Tafim and Biswajit into the gang. Each candidate was reportedly charged between Rs2–3 lakh, while larger deals went up to Rs25 lakh per job, involving Shankar and Suresh Nayak.

Biswaranjan, an SSB jawan, played a crucial role by leveraging his position in the police department to gain the trust of aspirants. Investigators say he arranged the highest number of candidates, charging Rs1–2 lakh per person.

Also Read: Odisha SI Exam Scam: Know About Token Deals And Rs25 Lakh Promises

Money Trail & Evidence

CBI sources confirmed that the interrogation exposed clear money trails, with cash collected from candidates being partly handed over to masterminds and partly retained by middlemen. Parents of several aspirants were also questioned to verify how deals were struck and payments made.

Court Proceedings

The remand of the four accused ends today, and they will be produced before the CBI Special Court in Bhubaneswar. Investigators are likely to seek an extension of custody to further probe the financial transactions and interstate links.