Bhubaneswar, 26 November (H.S.) : The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has formally taken charge of the Odisha Police Sub-Inspector recruitment scam after the Vigilance Court in Berhampur transferred all case records to the central agency.

The documents, initially filed at Golonthara police station in Ganjam district and later moved to the Odisha Crime Branch, will now be investigated under the jurisdiction of the Bhubaneswar CBI Court.

The court’s decision follows a series of arrests, including the alleged mastermind, Shankar Prusty. On Monday night, Prusty and 11 other accused were shifted from Berhampur to Jharpada Special Jail in Bhubaneswar, where they have been placed in judicial custody.

As the probe expanded, the Crime Branch arrested multiple individuals, conducted detailed interrogations, and collected extensive digital evidence. Acting on directives from the Odisha government, all responsibilities have now been transferred to the CBI.

With the handover of case materials complete, the central agency is set to begin an independent investigation. All future hearings will be conducted before the Bhubaneswar CBI Court.

According to officials familiar with the process, the transferred materials include forensic reports, digital evidence, seizure records, and interrogation documents compiled during the Crime Branch probe. The CBI is also likely to seek custody of key accused persons once court proceedings commence.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda