Berhampur | Utkal Express News Desk | October 29, 2025
In a major development in the Odisha Sub-Inspector (SI) recruitment scam, the Berhampur Vigilance Court on Wednesday granted bail to 114 arrested candidates, while rejecting the bail pleas of alleged mastermind Muna Mohanty and his eight associates.
According to sources, the Court approved bail for the arrested examinees on a bond of ₹50,000 each with two local sureties, imposing strict conditions to ensure full cooperation with the ongoing Crime Branch investigation and to prevent any witness interference.
Court’s Bail Conditions
The Court directed that all 114 released candidates must:
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Report regularly to their local police stations,
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Cooperate fully with the investigating officers, and
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Refrain from attempting to influence witnesses in any manner.
Additionally, the accused have been barred from leaving the country without prior permission from the authorities.
Reports indicate that over 30 defence lawyers represented the accused candidates during the hearing.
Background of the Case
The bail order comes amid what officials describe as one of Odisha’s largest recruitment scams, involving large-scale manipulation in the police Sub-Inspector examination conducted by the Odisha Police Recruitment Board (OPRB).
A total of 123 individuals were arrested in the case, including 114 candidates and several middlemen who allegedly facilitated the leak of exam papers and collected money from aspirants in exchange for guaranteed selection.
Investigations by the Crime Branch revealed that the accused had accessed confidential exam materials through interstate networks, using digital channels and fake identification documents. The probe has also traced financial transactions and communication links connecting the accused to multiple states.
Key Accused Denied Bail
While the Court granted conditional bail to the examinees, it rejected the pleas of Muna Mohanty and eight others, citing their direct involvement in orchestrating the scam and the possibility of tampering with crucial evidence.
Authorities have termed Mohanty as the main conduit who allegedly managed the paper leaks and coordinated with intermediaries across state borders.
The Crime Branch investigation continues, with further arrests and interrogations expected as officials work to uncover the full extent of the recruitment fraud.
