SI Exam Paper Leak / Odisha SI Exam Paper Leak: ED Raids Uncover Key Documents and Electronic Devices

Bhubaneswar, Oct 15: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has launched a major crackdown in connection with the Odisha Police Sub‑Inspector (SI) recruitment exam 2024 question paper leak case.

Acting on leads, ED’s Bhubaneswar zonal office conducted raids between October 9 and 12 across 12 locations in Odisha and West Bengal, seizing crucial documents and electronic devices under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002.

The searches targeted premises linked to Silicon Techlab Pvt. Ltd., Panchsoft Technologies Pvt. Ltd., PSIL International Ltd., and their directors and associates. Investigators claim to have recovered evidence pointing to large‑scale irregularities and financial transactions tied to the leak.

Also read: Odisha Government Caps Fees in Private Colleges

How the case began

The controversy dates back to September 30, 2025, when Odisha Police intercepted three buses near Ichchapuram on the Odisha‑Andhra Pradesh border. Onboard were 114 candidates heading for the SI exam scheduled for October 5-6, 2025.

Allegations soon surfaced that the exam papers had been leaked, prompting the filing of an FIR in October 2025.

The case was later handed over to the CBI, which uncovered that individuals associated with exam‑conducting agencies had leaked papers in exchange for hefty sums ranging between ₹15 lakh and ₹30 lakh per candidate.

In some cases, candidates’ original certificates were taken as “guarantee.”

Irregularities in exam management

According to ED, the Odisha Police Recruitment Board (OPRB) had entrusted exam management to ITI Ltd., a central PSU. ITI subsequently outsourced the work to Bhubaneswar‑based Silicon Techlab Pvt. Ltd. (STPL).

However, STPL director Suresh Chandra Nayak allegedly handed over sensitive candidate data to Panchsoft Technologies without ITI’s approval.

ED suspects Nayak colluded with Panchsoft director Shankar Prusty, offering leaked papers to candidates for money. Investigators claim financial transactions between STPL and Prusty occurred even before the exam process began, suggesting coordinated malpractice.

Corporate links under scrutiny

ED has also discovered that majority shares of STPL were transferred to PSIL International Ltd. (formerly Pattanayak Steel International Ltd.) through a share purchase agreement dated August 5, 2023.

The role of PSIL directors Sameer Rath and his wife Swasti Mishra is now under investigation. Notably, the agreement was never filed with the Registrar of Companies, raising further suspicion.

Despite PSIL taking control, Nayak continued as STPL director and corresponded with ITI Ltd. regarding exam management, allegedly without authorization. ED claims Nayak even accessed exam papers illegally.

Organized racket suspected

Investigators believe the leak was not isolated but part of an organized racket involving multiple companies and individuals. The probe indicates large sums of illicit money were collected from candidates, pointing to systematic corruption.

ED officials say several new names have emerged during raids, expanding the scope of inquiry. The investigation remains ongoing.