ED Raids 10 Premises in Odisha and West Bengal Over SI Paper Leak
Enforcement Directorate raids 10 locations in Odisha and West Bengal over the Odisha SI recruitment exam paper leak scandal.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has launched a massive crackdown across multiple states in connection with the alleged Odisha SI paper leak case. On Friday, federal agents conducted simultaneous search operations at 10 different premises located in both Odisha and West Bengal.
Focus on Tech Firms and Directors
The investigation is targeting specific entities suspected of involvement in the recruitment scam. According to officials privy to the operation, the raids are focused on Silicon Techlab Pvt Ltd and Panchsoft Technology Pvt Ltd. The agency is scrutinizing the activities of these companies and their directors, alongside other associated individuals, to uncover the full extent of the conspiracy.
The ED's Bhubaneswar zone has been leading the charge, executing these searches since the early hours of the morning. The operation is being carried out in close coordination with the state police and other security forces to ensure a thorough investigation.
The Origins of the Scam
The investigation stems from a First Information Report (FIR) filed by the Odisha Police in October 2025. The case gained momentum after a significant interception near the border of Andhra Pradesh and Odisha.
The Bus Interception and Bribery Details
On September 30, 2025, authorities intercepted three buses near the border town of Ichhapuram. Inside, officials discovered 114 candidates who were allegedly being transported as part of a scheme to leak the question papers for the Sub-Inspector (SI) recruitment exam. The exam was scheduled to take place on October 5 and October 6, 2025.
The scale of the bribery involved was staggering. Officials indicate that candidates were being offered the question papers in exchange for massive sums of cash, ranging from Rs 15 lakh to Rs 30 lakh per candidate. To ensure compliance, the perpetrators reportedly seized the candidates' original certificates as a guarantee.
CBI Involvement and Alleged Leakage Source
The investigation has already seen a transfer of responsibility, with the case being handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) following the initial police findings.
Preliminary findings suggest a deep-seated corruption within the examination process. Officials allege that the question paper was leaked by individuals associated with the very entities tasked with conducting the examination. These associates reportedly approached candidates, luring them into the illegal arrangement to provide the exam content for monetary gain.