Allegations of corruption in the Odisha police sub-inspector recruitment process have prompted a strong response from the Biju Janata Dal’s youth and student wings. On Wednesday, they formally demanded that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) take over the investigation into suspected irregularities. The opposition party claims that a ‘cash for jobs’ scheme has undermined the integrity of the recruitment, causing deep disappointment among eligible candidates. BJD leaders have criticized the state government’s decision to assign the probe to the Crime Branch, arguing that it compromises the impartiality needed to uncover the full extent of the scam and hold responsible parties accountable. Concerns were also raised about the decision to delegate examination responsibilities to private firms, which the BJD views as a tactic to monetize government job opportunities. Consequently, a large-scale statewide demonstration is planned. The presidents of the BJD’s youth and student organizations emphasized the distress experienced by thousands of aspirants who prepared diligently for the examination. They have initiated a ‘Yuva-Chhatra Nyaya Andolan’ to demand justice for these candidates. The recruitment process for 933 sub-inspector posts, which saw 1.53 lakh applications, was halted after the apprehension of 117 individuals in Berhampur. Preliminary reports indicate that many of those arrested had allegedly paid significant sums to secure jobs through a network operating from a coaching center. The Crime Branch has made further arrests of individuals believed to be brokers. While the Chief Minister has vowed to punish wrongdoers, the BJD maintains that only a CBI investigation can provide the necessary assurance of a fair and thorough inquiry.
