Odisha Police SI Exam Scam: Shankar Prusty, Muna Mohanty Under Lens In Multi-Crore Recruitment Fraud

Preliminary findings suggest the fraud was orchestrated by a well-knit network of brokers who struck deals with aspirants, reportedly demanding around Rs 25 lakh from each in return for securing their selection. Many aspirants were allegedly taken outside the state for “special coaching,” while their original certificates were seized as collateral until full payment was made.

Two key figures — Shankar Prusty and Muna Mohanty — have now come under the scanner. Both are accused of running an organised syndicate that preyed on desperate job seekers. Investigators believe at least 10–12 other middlemen may also have been part of the racket.

The scandal has cast a shadow on the Odisha Police Recruitment Board (OPRB). Initially, OPRB entrusted ITI Ltd. with the task of conducting the exam. However, the responsibility was later subcontracted to Silicon and then further passed on to Panchsoft Pvt. Ltd., a firm reportedly headed by Prusty. This chain of subcontracting has raised serious questions over transparency and accountability in the recruitment process.

With 933 posts advertised, the scam is estimated to have siphoned off crores of rupees. The Crime Branch is probing whether influential officials were complicit in the scandal.

Meanwhile, the Opposition has sharpened its attack over the alleged large-scale irregularities.

“The accused Shankar Prusty recently joined the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Hinjili. There is no doubt that the state government has its blessings on him to run the job racket syndicate. We want a high-level probe into the police SI recruitment scam,” said BJD leader Ipsita Sahoo.

Responding to criticism, BJP state president Manmohan Samal said: “If we were involved in the scam, why would we cancel the examination? This is not a one-time issue but a chronic disease. To cure it, a full-fledged operation is required; applying ointment will not work.”

Meanwhile, more revelations emerged on Friday as Suresh Nayak, owner of ‘Silicon Private Limited’, was interrogated by the Crime Branch in connection with the police SI recruitment scam. The private company was previously entrusted with the responsibility of conducting the SI recruitment examination.

Mastermind of the job fraud, identified as Shankar Prusty, and his aide, identified as Muna Mohanty, are absconding. It is said that both of their mobile phones are switched off.

According to sources, the scam came to light after the intervention of the Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi. Information regarding OPRB (Odisha Police Recruitment Board) exam scam had reached the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO).

Following this, the CMO intervened. After receiving credible information, the CMO made a phone call to Berhampur SP (Superintendent of Police). As per the Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi’s instructions, Berhampur SP took prompt action.