The Biju Janata Dal’s youth and student organizations have vehemently demanded a CBI inquiry into the recent police sub-inspector recruitment examination irregularities. Citing a significant ‘cash for job’ racket, BJD leaders expressed dismay over the perceived lack of impartiality in the state’s investigation. Chinmaya Sahu, President of the Biju Yuva Janata Dal, stated that the current investigation, handled by the Crime Branch, is an attempt to protect individuals with vested interests. He questioned the authority under which the Odisha Police Recruitment Board (OPRB) outsourced the examination to private entities, suggesting a motive to auction government positions. A statewide protest is being organized to protest these developments. Ipsita Sahoo, President of the Biju Chhatra Janata Dal, highlighted the widespread frustration among thousands of job aspirants who have been let down by these alleged scams. The BJD has launched a ‘Yuva-Chhatra Nyaya Andolan’ (Youth-Student Justice Movement) to advocate for fairness. The Combined Police Service Examination, intended to fill 933 sub-inspector positions, faced disruption after 117 individuals were apprehended in Berhampur. These arrests, including job seekers and alleged facilitators, stemmed from a tip-off about a special coaching center in Andhra Pradesh. The applicants had reportedly paid up to ₹10 lakh in advance. Authorities are continuing their investigation, with additional arrests of suspected brokers made by the Crime Branch. The Chief Minister has pledged swift punishment for all perpetrators, regardless of their standing, but the BJD remains firm on its demand for a central agency’s intervention.
