Bhubaneswar, 3 October (H.S.) The Odisha Congress on Friday sharpened its attack on the state government over the alleged Sub-Inspector (SI) recruitment examination scam, claiming the involvement of influential individuals, including family members of senior police officials.

Speaking to the media, party spokesperson Bibhuti Mohapatra alleged that among the 117 people arrested in connection with the case, one accused has been identified as Amiya Kumar Behera, son of former DIG (Prisons) Kulamani Behera, who retired just four months ago.

Mohapatra accused the government of fostering a “cash-for-jobs” system in the state, which he said has eroded trust among genuine aspirants. “In Odisha, it is not merit but money that decides who secures a government job. When will this corrupt practice come to an end?” he asked.

The Congress spokesperson also demanded that the role of ITI Technology, the private agency engaged to conduct the examination, be brought under the purview of the ongoing Crime Branch investigation. He further alleged that the credibility of the Odisha Police Recruitment Board (OPRB) Chairman has also come under serious doubt following the revelations.

The opposition party has called for accountability at the highest level and urged swift action to restore public faith in the recruitment process.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda