CBI Probes Certificate Forgery in Odisha Postal Recruitment: Searches 67 Locations, Files Case Against 63 Gramin Dak Sevak Candidates And Officials
(Judicial Quest News Network)
Bhubaneshwar June 13: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has initiated a thorough investigation after a complaint from the Director of Postal Services in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. Extensive searches have been conducted at over 67 locations across various districts including Kalahandi, Nuapada, Rayagada, Nabarangpur, Kandhamal, Kendujhar, Mayurbhanj, Balasore, and Bhadrak. This large-scale operation involves over 204 officials, comprising 122 CBI officers and 82 personnel from other departments, underscoring the seriousness of the probe. The search teams aim to dismantle an interstate gang responsible for supplying fake certificates.
On May 9, 2023, the CBI registered a case under sections 120-B, 420, 468, and 471 read with 511 of the IPC, and section 7(a) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 (as amended in 2018). The case, prompted by the Postal Department’s complaint, targets 63 candidates from the 2023 Gramin Dak Sevak Exam (Odisha Circle), unknown postal department officials, and other unidentified private individuals.
The investigation revolves around the recruitment of 1,382 Gramin Dak Sevak (GDS) posts. Online applications were invited on January 27, 2023, requiring candidates to possess a 10th pass certificate from a recognized board and proficiency in the local language. Applicants uploaded their certificates and mark sheets to a centralized server, and selection was automated based on 10th-grade marks. Selected candidates received SMS and email notifications, instructing them to report for document verification within 15 days.
During verification, the Odisha Postal Circle discovered that 63 candidates from divisions such as Baleswar, Mayurbhanj, Kalahandi, and Barhampur had submitted forged 10th pass certificates. These certificates were allegedly issued by boards including the Board of High School and Intermediate Education, Allahabad; West Bengal Board, Kolkata; and Jharkhand Academic Council, Ranchi. The complaint indicates the involvement of an interstate racket in producing and supplying these forged certificates, in collusion with the candidates.
The investigation is ongoing.
