The Odisha High Court on Friday rejected the bail petitions of 14 accused, including prime suspects Shankar Prusty and Suresh Nayak, in the Assistant Section Officer (ASO) examination scam.
The decision means all accused will remain in judicial custody as the investigation continues.
The court’s ruling marks a major development in one of Odisha’s biggest recruitment controversies involving the Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC). The accused are alleged to have been part of a network that leaked question papers and manipulated the selection process.
Police had earlier arrested several individuals linked to the scam, which has shaken public confidence in the state’s recruitment system. Both Shankar and Suresh are also accused in the police sub‑inspector exam scam, adding to the gravity of the charges.
Following the High Court’s decision, defence lawyers expressed disappointment and hinted at the possibility of appealing to the Supreme Court. The case has triggered strong reactions among job aspirants and youth across Odisha, with many demanding accountability from the government and examination authorities.
