BSE Vice President Arrested in OTET 2025 Question Paper Leak Case in Odisha

Cuttack: In a major development in the OTET question paper leak investigation, the Crime Branch of Odisha Police has arrested Nihar Ranjan Mohanty, Vice President of the Board of Secondary Education (BSE), for his alleged role in the scandal. His arrest brings the total number of people apprehended in the case to eight.

The BSE is responsible for conducting key examinations across the state, including the Class-X board exams, OTET, OSSTET, and other teacher eligibility and certification tests.

OTET Question Paper Leak: How It Unfolded

According to Crime Branch DGP Vinaytosh Mishra, Mohanty was directly involved in the question-setting process and was coordinating with a Bhopal-based printing firm. The firm had sent him a password-protected OTET paper for proofreading — a copy he was instructed to delete after review.

However, Mohanty violated protocol by granting access to his laptop to Jitan Moharana, a data entry operator who had no official role in paper-setting. This unauthorized access allowed Moharana to extract the paper using a pen drive.

Call records between Mohanty and Moharana revealed over 100 calls in the last three months, many of which were outside office hours. Following interrogation, Mohanty was arrested on Saturday evening based on evidence collected by the investigation team.

ALSO READ| BSE Staff Among Six Arrested in Special OTET Question Paper Leak: Odisha Crime Branch

Wider Network and Financial Trail in OTET Question Paper Leak

Earlier arrests include Moharana, teacher Prasant Kumar Khamari, and other individuals involved in distributing the leaked paper. Investigators revealed that the paper was shared with leaders of the State Ex-cadre Teachers’ Association, who then sold it to brokers.

Khamari allegedly handwrote the leaked question paper using a Google Translate app. Crime Branch sources also confirmed that Moharana received ₹2.5 lakh via a UPI-based payment system.

The leak led to the cancellation of the OTET 2025 exam, which was conducted on July 20, affecting over 75,000 candidates. In response, BSE transferred six officials associated with the confidential and coordination departments.

Crime Branch Continues Investigation

While eight individuals have been arrested so far, the Crime Branch continues its probe to uncover further links, including financial transactions and additional culprits involved in the leak.

This incident has raised serious questions about examination security and the integrity of recruitment processes in Odisha’s education system.

Get Latest News Live on MTIMES along with Breaking News and Top Headlines, Political News and around The World.

You May Like

Trending Searches Today |

“India Struck Pakistan Hard and Smart”: Tharoor Praises Operation Sindoor in the US

PM Modi Meets Maldives VP, Speaker to Boost Ties

Asia Cup 2025: India to Clash with Pakistan on September 14 in UAE

AI for India 2.0 Empowers Rural Youth

NEET-PG 2025 to Be Held on August 3: Supreme Court Allows NBE Extension, Denies Further Delay