Odisha Crime Branch Nabs Key Figure in SI Recruitment Scam: Who is Shankar Prusty?

Major Arrest in Odisha's Recruitment Scandal

Bhubaneswar: In a significant development, the Odisha Crime Branch apprehended Shankar Prusty, the alleged mastermind behind the Sub-Inspector (SI) recruitment examination fraud, on Saturday in Uttarakhand, close to the Nepal border, as confirmed by officials.

Sources indicate that Prusty had been on the run since the scandal came to light, reportedly hiding near the Nepal border to avoid capture. After thorough surveillance and collaborative efforts, Crime Branch officers successfully located and arrested him.

Prusty, who led Panchsoft Company, faces serious allegations of facilitating extensive irregularities in the SI recruitment process, which includes leaking exam questions and engaging in questionable financial dealings with candidates.

Previously, Prusty had sought anticipatory bail from the Orissa High Court, which was denied. His wife, Deeptimayee Sahu, also implicated in the case, was instructed by the court to present herself before the trial court to request regular bail. However, both individuals had been evading law enforcement since that time.

The SI examination scandal has raised significant alarms regarding the integrity and transparency of the recruitment processes managed by the Odisha government, highlighting critical flaws in the system.