Bhubaneswar, Aug 12: The Odisha Crime Branch has intensified its investigation into the OTET (Odisha Teacher Eligibility Test) question paper leak case, interrogating two key accused—data entry operator Jitan Maharana and teacher leader Bijay Mishra—for the second consecutive day, officials said on Tuesday.

According to official sources, both accused were confronted with other employees of the Board of Secondary Education as part of a face-to-face interrogation. Investigators are probing possible links between the accused and suspended Vice President Nihar Ranjan Mohanty, along with other board staff, to uncover the full extent of the leak.

Sources said that the Crime Branch has discovered connections beyond the district, suggesting a wider network may be involved. During interrogation, Jitan Maharana allegedly misled officials regarding a pen drive believed to contain the leaked OTET question papers and other confidential data. Investigators suspect the device holds crucial evidence and are working to trace its contents.

The probe has also expanded to revisit a similar question paper leak incident from 2022 in Malkangiri district, which may be linked to the current case. Officials are examining whether the same individuals or methods were involved in both breaches.

Educationist Narayan Mohanty commented on the seriousness of the issue, emphasizing the need for strict accountability and systemic reforms to prevent future leaks.

As the remand period for Jitan and Bijay concludes at 2 PM on Wednesday, speculation grows over whether the Crime Branch will seek custody of additional suspects. The investigation continues to unfold, with more revelations expected in the coming days.

The OTET leak case has raised serious concerns about the integrity of recruitment examinations in Odisha, prompting calls for tighter security protocols and digital safeguards.

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