Crime Branch Arrests Key Aide in Odisha SI Exam Scam; Total Arrests Rise to 126

Bhubaneswar: In a significant breakthrough in the Odisha Sub-Inspector (SI) recruitment exam scam, the Crime Branch has arrested 22-year-old Sagar Kumar Gouda, a close aide of the prime accused Shankar Prusty.

Gouda, a native of Balipada in Ganjam district, was residing on the MKCG Medical College campus in Berhampur at the time of his arrest.

Key Role in the Scam

According to Crime Branch officials, Gouda played a crucial role in executing the fraudulent network connected to the Combined Police Service Examination (CPSE)-2024. Acting under Prusty’s directions, he reportedly managed the ‘Balasore Module’—one of the main centres of the organised conspiracy.

Investigations revealed that Gouda was responsible for logistical and ground-level arrangements to ensure the smooth operation of the cheating racket. He allegedly travelled to Digha on September 29, where hotel accommodations had been arranged by another accused, Aravinda Das, to facilitate candidates participating in the malpractice.

Officials said Gouda oversaw the “secret operations” at Digha, maintaining direct coordination with Prusty and handling communication and support activities for the gang.

With Gouda’s arrest, the total number of people nabbed in connection with the SI exam scam has now reached 126, marking another major stride in the ongoing investigation by the Odisha Crime Branch.