The Biju Janata Dal staged a major protest in Bhubaneswar on Monday. They demanded a CBI investigation into alleged irregularities in police sub-inspector recruitment. Hundreds gathered, voicing their concerns loudly.
This recruitment scam has shaken public trust in the system. The written examination for SI posts was postponed by the Odisha Police Recruitment Board. This followed arrests at the Odisha-Andhra Pradesh border.
Police arrested 114 aspirants and several others on September 30. Authorities said the candidates were heading to an undisclosed location in the neighboring state. They were allegedly going for special coaching before the exam.
Each candidate had reportedly agreed to pay Rs 25 lakh for an SI post. An advance of Rs 10 lakh was paid, with Rs 15 lakh due after appointment. This recruitment scam reveals deep-rooted corruption.
BJD members marched from Master Canteen to Lower PMG Square. They carried banners, posters, and placards while shouting slogans against the BJP government. Their demand for a CBI probe echoed through the streets.
Protestors attempted to break through police barricades. Security personnel prevented them from advancing further. A scuffle ensued between the two groups.
Several BJD leaders and workers were detained during the confrontation. A police officer confirmed the detentions. The situation remained tense throughout the protest.
BJD leader Pritiranjan Gharai accused the state government of playing with youth futures. He demanded the case be handed over to the central agency. Justice for students and youths was his primary concern.
Gharai alleged the BJP government assigned the crime branch to investigate to protect influential people. He claimed big names were involved in this recruitment scam. Only a CBI probe could uncover the truth.
BJD women’s wing president Snehangini Chhuria stated each SI post was sold for Rs 25 lakh. She alleged senior government officials were involved. The recruitment scam extended beyond just SI positions.
Chhuria claimed all job recruitments during the BJP regime were sold. She described a cash-for-job situation in Odisha. This unfortunate reality needed condemnation.
BJD’s youth wing president Chinmaya Sahoo called it an organized recruitment scam. He alleged even the police department was involved. Only a CBI investigation could expose everything.
BJP Yuva Morcha president Abhilash Panda responded by referencing a 2022 job fraud case in Balasore. That incident occurred during the BJD government’s tenure. He contrasted the handling of both cases.
Panda noted that in the previous case, all candidates were released. This time, police arrested everyone involved in the SI recruitment irregularities. The crime branch has detained another suspect from Balasore district.
The investigation into this recruitment scam continues to unfold. Public attention remains focused on the developments. Transparency and accountability are being demanded from all sides.