Bhubaneswar: In a new development in Odisha Police Sub-Inspector (SI) recruitment scam case, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Sunday arrested two more persons, including one SSB jawan, in Bhubaneswar as part of its probe.
As per sources, SSB jawan Arjun Nayak, and middleman Nimai Charan Sahu were arrested after two days of marathon grilling by the central probe agency. Nimai Sahu is stated to be a close associate of prime accused, Biranchi Nayak, who was earlier taken into custody.
All three suspects were taken to CBI state headquarters in Bhubaneswar for further interrogation after they underwent medical examination.
As per information, SSB jawan Arjun Nayak and Nimai Charan Sahu are being questioned to trace the transaction trail and their role in facilitating th
e recruitment irregularities.
Believed to be a close aide of Biranchi Nayak, Nimai Sahu reportedly played major role in the SI recruitment examination scam. The central agency is conducting detailed face-to-face interrogations to uncover the broader network and modus operandi in the scam.
Earlier, the Odisha Crime Branch had arrested 12 persons linked to the scam.
Meanwhile, Arabinda Das, in charge of the Digha model centre, was also placed on a two-day CBI remand for extensive questioning regarding his involvement in examination malpractices.
Reports suggested that four officers of the Odisha Police Recruitment Board (OPRB), including a DSP-rank official, are now under CBI scrutiny.
Investigators are examining their possible role in facilitating irregularities during the recruitment and the extent of collusion with middlemen. Biranchi Nayak is reported to be a close associate of Shankar Prusty, suspected to be the mastermind of the scam.
The recruitment scandal triggered widespread outrage and protests in the state, following which Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi recommended a CBI probe into the scam, which was initially being investigated by the state Crime Branch.