Bhubaneswar, Aug 3: In a major breakthrough in the Odisha Teacher Eligibility Test (OTET) question paper leak case, the Crime Branch has arrested Nihar Ranjan Mohanty, Vice-President of the Board of Secondary Education.

Though Mohanty was not directly responsible for exam administration, investigators found that the leaked question paper had originated from his personal laptop, raising serious questions about his involvement.

This arrest marks the eighth in the ongoing investigation, which has already seen seven individuals taken into custody. Mohanty’s long-standing control over the board office — spanning over 14 years — has come under intense scrutiny, with allegations of corruption, favouritism, and misuse of power surfacing.

Sources reveal that Mohanty’s name has been linked to multiple controversies, including irregularities in board operations and questionable ties to private printing presses allegedly involved in exam material production. There are also suspicions that the leaked question paper may have been printed at a press connected to Mohanty’s relatives.

The Election Commission had previously recommended Mohanty’s transfer before the 2024 elections, citing his prolonged tenure and potential influence over board affairs. Despite this directive, Mohanty continued to hold his position, allegedly under the protection of political allies from the previous government.

The scandal has sparked public outrage, with many questioning how Mohanty managed to retain his post for over a decade despite repeated concerns. Allegations suggest that he may have benefited from powerful backers and possibly struck deals with education brokers, compromising the future of thousands of students.

As the investigation deepens, authorities are expected to probe Mohanty’s network further, including his connections to printing presses and digital platforms used for exam-related operations.

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