Bhubaneswar, Aug 1: In a major development surrounding the Odisha Teacher Eligibility Test (OTET) 2025 question paper leak, the Crime Branch has intensified its investigation, arresting seven individuals and placing senior officials under scrutiny.

The scandal erupted after the exam, scheduled for July 20, was abruptly canceled when handwritten copies of the question paper surfaced online the night before.

Among those arrested is Prasant Kumar Khamari, a teacher from Bhawanipatna, who allegedly paid Rs 99,000 to obtain the leaked paper from Bijay Kumar Mishra, a key accused. Khamari reportedly translated the paper from English to Odia and distributed it to other candidates.

The investigation has now reached the corridors of the Board of Secondary Education (BSE), with Vice President Nihar Mohanty under suspicion. Although Mohanty was not directly responsible for exam control, the leaked paper was traced back to his laptop.

Crime Branch DIG B. Gangadhar questioned how the document ended up on Mohanty’s device and confirmed that he will be brought under the purview of the investigation.

Odisha's Education Minister Nityananda Gond has assured that no one will be spared, stating, “Those who played with the future of children will face strict action.” Former administrator Bijay Pattnaik has demanded Mohanty’s immediate removal, citing his prolonged tenure of over 14 years at the board office.

In response to the leak, the BSE has announced a fresh OTET examination to be held on August 31 in two sittings for Paper 1 and Paper 2. Admit cards will be available online from August 22.

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