Economic Fraud
Over 200 Officials Mobilized: Inside the CBI’s Explosive Investigation into Odisha’s Postal Recruitment Scam!
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has initiated an investigation into an alleged certificate forgery scandal linked to the recruitment process for the Gramin Dak Sevak (GDS) exam in Odisha.
This probe follows a complaint filed by the Director of Postal Services, Bhubaneswar. In an extensive operation, the CBI conducted searches at more than 67 locations across various districts of Odisha, including Kalahandi, Nuapada, Rayagada, Nabarangpur, Kandhamal, Kendujhar, Mayurbhanj, Balasore, and Bhadrak.
The scale of the operation underscores the seriousness of the investigation, with over 204 officials involved, including 122 CBI officers and 82 personnel from other departments. The teams are working tirelessly to uncover an alleged interstate organized gang believed to be responsible for providing these fake certificates.
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Case Details
On May 9, 2023, the CBI registered a regular case under sections 120-B, 420, 468, and 471 read with 511 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and section 7(a) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 (as amended in 2018). The case was filed against 63 candidates of the Gramin Dak Sevak Exam, 2023 (Odisha Circle), as well as unknown officials from the postal department and unidentified private individuals.
The complaint centers around the recruitment process for 1,382 GDS posts, for which online applications were invited on January 27, 2023. Applicants were required to possess a 10th pass certificate from any recognized board, with proficiency in the local language being mandatory.
The recruitment process was automated, with selections based on the marks obtained in the 10th standard. Selected candidates were notified via SMS and email and were required to report for document verification within 15 days before their appointment.
Discovery of Forgery
During the verification process, the Odisha Postal Circle reportedly uncovered that 63 candidates from various postal divisions, including Baleswar, Mayurbhanj, Kalahandi, and Barhampur, had submitted forged or fake 10th pass certificates. These fraudulent documents were allegedly issued by institutions such as the Board of High School and Intermediate Education, Allahabad; West Bengal Board, Kolkata; and Jharkhand Academic Council, Ranchi, among others.
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The investigation suggests the involvement of an interstate racket in the creation and distribution of these forged certificates, potentially in collusion with the candidates.
Ongoing Investigation
The CBI’s investigation is ongoing as they work to gather more evidence and identify all parties involved in this alleged forgery scam. The operation highlights the agency’s commitment to upholding the integrity of recruitment processes and ensuring that such fraudulent activities are thoroughly investigated and prosecuted.
The outcome of this investigation will be closely watched, as it has significant implications for the recruitment processes and the credibility of the postal department. The CBI’s efforts aim to bring justice to those who attempted to undermine the system through deceitful means.