Odisha Crime Branch Arrests Four Middlemen in Police Recruitment Scam

The Odisha Crime Branch has arrested four people accused of running a racket linked to the recent police recruitment examinations, uncovering a network of middlemen who allegedly took money from candidates in exchange for securing jobs. The arrests have brought renewed attention to the integrity of recruitment processes in the state and raised concerns about corruption in government hiring.

Officials said the accused were operating as intermediaries, luring aspirants with false promises of guaranteed selection in return for large payments. During the investigation, the Crime Branch found evidence of cash transactions, forged documents, and links between the accused and some officials who are now under scrutiny. Authorities are also examining whether similar rackets were active in other districts.

The scam reportedly came to light after complaints from candidates who claimed they were approached by agents following the written examination. Many of them said the middlemen demanded sums ranging from one lakh to several lakhs depending on the post. Acting on these reports, the Crime Branch launched a coordinated operation, leading to the arrests.

Senior officials have stated that the investigation is ongoing and that more arrests are likely. They assured that strict action will be taken against anyone found involved, including government employees if their role is established. The department is also reviewing the recent recruitment process to identify any irregularities in result handling or document verification.

For many aspiring candidates from Tier 2 and smaller towns in Odisha, such scams have long been a source of frustration and disappointment. These incidents not only damage trust in government systems but also discourage genuine candidates who prepare honestly for years.

The arrests are being seen as a step toward cleaning up the recruitment system. As the probe widens, the state government faces growing pressure to tighten examination procedures, adopt more transparent digital systems, and ensure accountability at every stage of the hiring process.