Bhubaneswar, Jan 6: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has exposed shocking details in its charge sheet on the Odisha Police Sub-Inspector (SI) recruitment exam paper leak case. Investigations reveal that a well-organised conspiracy was planned ahead of the March 2025 SI examination, involving multiple venues, large sums of money, and coordinated efforts to provide candidates with leaked question papers, officials said on Tuesday.

Resort Bookings Under False Pretext

According to the charge sheet, 22 rooms and two conference halls at Chandaka Nature Resort in Bhubaneswar were booked under the guise of a “Skill India Training Programme.” The bookings, arranged by driver Lokanath Sahu on the instructions of accused Muna Mahanty, cost Rs2.4 lakh — including Rs1.5 lakh in cash and Rs90,000 transferred from Mahanty’s mother’s account.

Aspirants Shown Leaked Questions

Around 150 aspirants were accommodated at the resort, where they were allegedly shown probable questions for the SI exam scheduled on March 8 and 9. The exam has since been cancelled. Resort manager Pavitra Kumar Das confirmed the large-scale bookings, while statements from aspirants, including accused Sai Chandan Mahapatra, corroborated that leaked materials were circulated during the stay.

Parallel Arrangements at Hotel

Investigators also uncovered similar arrangements at Hotel Opulence Kalinga, where 45 candidates were housed under the supervision of accused Biranchi Nayak. Payments of Rs12,000 were reportedly collected via PhonePe, with additional funds raised to cover lodging and food. Aspirants were later taken to Digha, where they were again exposed to leaked papers.

OPRB Under Scrutiny

Senior lawyer Subrata Nanda noted that the revelations raise serious questions about the Odisha Police Recruitment Board (OPRB). “If irregularities in March had been investigated promptly, the October SI exam irregularities might have been prevented,” he said.

Systemic Lapses Exposed

The CBI’s findings highlight widespread malpractice and systemic lapses in recruitment examinations. With mounting public concern, the case has intensified demands for accountability and stricter safeguards to protect the integrity of competitive exams in Odisha.