Bhubaneswar, Jul 30: In a major breakthrough, the Odisha Crime Branch has arrested six individuals in connection with the viral leak of the Special OTET (Odisha Teacher Eligibility Test) question paper, conducted by the Board of Secondary Education (BSE).

Among those arrested is Jitan Moharana, a data entry operator at the BSE office, who has been identified as the kingpin behind the leak.

Crime Branch Director General Vinaytosh Mishra revealed the details during a press conference, stating that the arrests include teachers and professional content sharers who played key roles in circulating the leaked paper.

The accused were identified as Jitan Moharana, Bijaya Kumar Mishra, Sanatana Bisoi, Ramjee Prasad Gupta, Ajay Kumar Sahu, and Jayanta Kumar Rout.

The leaked question paper, meant for the Special OTET exam scheduled on July 20, was found circulating online on the night of July 19, prompting immediate action. The Board’s administrative officer Bulbul Behera had filed a formal complaint with the Crime Branch, triggering the investigation.

The probe revealed that the question paper was stolen from the laptop of Board Vice-Chairman Nihar Ranjan Mohanty, and later shared widely across the state. Financial trails have also emerged, with ₹2.4 lakh traced to the bank account of Jitan Moharana’s wife, suggesting possible cash transactions linked to the leak.

The Crime Branch suspects monetary exchanges and organized coordination behind the leak and has not ruled out further arrests. The six accused have been produced in court, and officials may seek remand for deeper interrogation.

The investigation continues, with authorities committed to uncovering the full extent of the breach and ensuring accountability.

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