Location: ORISSA HIGH COURT, CUTTACK Date: 13-Feb-2026 18:44:55 IN THE HIGH COURT OF ORISSA AT CUTTACK ABLAPL No.507 of 2026 along with ABLAPL Nos.508 of 2026 and 567 of 2026 Gopal Krushna Das and Ors. …. Petitioner (s)

(In ABLAPL No.507 of 2026)

Anwesh Nayak (In ABLAPL No.508 of 2026)

Gobinda Chandra Tripathy (In ABLAPL No.567 of 2026) Mr. Devasish Panda, Sr. Adv.

along with Mr. Pitambar Panda, Adv.

-versus-

Union Of India (CBI) …. Opposite Party(s)

Mr. Sarthak Nayak, Adv.

(For CBI) CORAM:

DR. JUSTICE SANJEEB K PANIGRAHI Order DATE OF HEARING:05.02.2026 No. DATE OF ORDER: 13.02.2026

04.

Location: ORISSA HIGH COURT, CUTTACK Date: 13-Feb-2026 18:44:55

1. These matters are taken up through hybrid arrangement.

2. Since the Petitioners in all the above-mentioned ABLAPs pray for pre-

arrest bail in same P.S. Case, they were heard together and are being disposed of by this common order.

3. Heard learned counsel for the parties.

4. Golanthara P.S. Case No. 447 dated 30.09.2025 was registered on the basis of information lodged by the SDPO, Berhampur Town, alleging a criminal conspiracy to compromise the Combined Police Service Examination (CPSE), 2024 conducted by the Odisha Public Recruitment Board (OPRB). The offences invoked include provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 and Sections 11(1) and 12(1) of the Odisha Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024. Subsequently, pursuant to State and Central Government notifications, the case was transferred to CBI, ACB, Bhubaneswar and re-registered as RC- 35(A)/2025 corresponding to SPE No. 29/2025. The investigation revealed that approximately 400 candidates were allegedly taken to Digha and Sundarbans in March 2025 and shown leaked question papers in hotels prior to the scheduled examination. The petitioners have approached the High Court seeking anticipatory bail in the said CBI case.

Location: ORISSA HIGH COURT, CUTTACK Date: 13-Feb-2026 18:44:55

5. The petitioners contend that his name does not appear in the FIR and that he has no connection with the alleged recruitment process, outsourced agencies, or the alleged conspiracy. He submits that he was merely served with a notice under the relevant provisions of the BNSS to appear for questioning as a person acquainted with the facts of the case. He asserts that he is a law-abiding citizen (in one petition described as a businessman, in another as a farmer), is the sole earning member of his family, and has permanent residence within the jurisdiction of the local police station, thereby negating any apprehension of absconding. He undertakes to cooperate with the investigation and contends that apprehension of arrest would cause irreparable harm to his dignity and livelihood.

6. The CBI opposes the anticipatory bail application on the ground that investigation has revealed the petitioner’s active involvement as an associate of key conspirators in arranging accommodation and facilitating the display of leaked question papers to candidates at Digha and Sundarbans. It relies on documentary evidence (hotel registers, bills), mobile location data, and statements of candidates and witnesses identifying the petitioner. It is further alleged that he has not cooperated with the investigation, has avoided service of notices, and is absconding. Given the magnitude of the offence, its serious social ramifications affecting public recruitment and public trust, and the requirement of custodial interrogation to unearth the larger conspiracy, the State Location: ORISSA HIGH COURT, CUTTACK Date: 13-Feb-2026 18:44:55 submits that grant of anticipatory bail would impede investigation and risk tampering with evidence and influencing witnesses.

7. After hearing both sides and perusing the case materials, the Court is of the opinion that the allegations pertain to a large-scale examination fraud affecting a public recruitment process. This is a grave economic and social offence. The magnitu