Bhubaneswar, Aug 11: The Odisha Crime Branch has intensified its investigation into the alleged OTET 2025 question paper leak scandal, one of the most serious breaches in the state’s examination history. Two key accused—data entry operator Jitan Maharana and teacher leader Bijay Mishra—have been taken on a two-day remand for interrogation, officials said.

Officials revealed that both individuals played a central role in the leak. Maharana allegedly accessed the question paper from the laptop of suspended BSE Vice-President Nihar Ranjan Mohanty and transferred it to Mishra, reportedly receiving Rs 2.5 lakh in exchange. The leak led to the abrupt cancellation of the Special OTET exam scheduled for July 20, affecting over 75,000 candidates across Odisha.

Crime Branch sources confirmed that the investigation is now focused on uncovering the full extent of the financial transactions, identifying other collaborators, and determining whether similar leaks occurred in previous years. Bank records of the accused are under scrutiny, and face-to-face interrogation with Mohanty is expected to reconcile conflicting statements.

The probe has so far resulted in eight arrests, including Mohanty and Prashant Khamari, a suspended headmaster. Investigators suspect a well-organized network involving insiders from the Board of Secondary Education and external agents.

The School and Mass Education Department has responded by promising stricter protocols for future exams, including encrypted question paper distribution and surprise staff rotations. Minister Nityananda Gond stated that efforts are underway to ensure the upcoming re-exam on August 31 is conducted securely.

Meanwhile, public outrage continues to grow, with parents and aspirants demanding accountability and swift justice. The scandal has raised serious concerns about the integrity of recruitment exams in Odisha’s education system.

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