The Orissa High Court on Thursday rejected the bail pleas of 17 accused, including prime accused Muna Mohanty, in connection with the Odisha Police Sub-Inspector recruitment scam case.

The High Court denied bail considering the gravity of the offence and materials collected during the investigation.

The court also rejected the plea seeking extension of interim bail granted to Muna Mohanty on medical grounds for surgery. He has been directed to surrender before the concerned court within three weeks.

According to the CBI investigation, Muna Mohanty, Shankar Prusti and Silicon Institute owner Suresh Nayak had allegedly conspired to manipulate the Police SI recruitment examination process. Other accused persons were reportedly involved in arranging candidates and facilitating the illegal activities linked to the scam.

The CBI informed the court that the alleged irregularities and fraud in the recruitment examination led to the cancellation of the Police SI examination twice, severely affecting the future of lakhs of genuine aspirants.

The agency argued that the accused had played active roles in undermining the integrity of the recruitment process, making the case a serious matter involving public trust and fairness in government recruitment.

Also Read: Tensions erupts at Utkal University campus after assault on students by non-students

The recruitment scam had triggered widespread outrage across the State after allegations surfaced regarding manipulation in the examination and selection process for Sub-Inspector posts in Odisha Police.

The investigation into the case is currently being carried out by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).