Has Odisha Crime Branch Arrested Another Suspect in the Question Paper Leak Case?
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Synopsis
The Odisha Crime Branch has intensified its investigation by arresting another teacher linked to the question paper leak of the Special OTET-2025. This brings the total number of arrests to seven, with serious implications for the education sector in Odisha. The case raises questions about security and integrity in educational assessments.
Key Takeaways
- The Crime Branch of Odisha has arrested seven individuals in the OTET-2025 question paper leak case.
- The examination was originally scheduled for July 20 but was canceled due to the leak.
- Prasant Kumar Khamari is among those arrested, allegedly involved in reproducing and selling the leaked papers.
- Financial transactions related to the case are under investigation.
- Authorities are taking steps to analyze evidence collected from the suspects.
Bhubaneswar, Aug 1 (NationPress) The Crime Branch of Odisha Police has apprehended another educator in relation to the leakage of question papers for the Special Odisha Teacher Eligibility Test (OTET)-2025 examination, increasing the total number of individuals arrested in this matter to seven, as confirmed by a senior official from the Crime Branch on Friday.
The Special OTET-2025 examination, originally slated for July 20 by the Board of Secondary Education (BSE), Cuttack, was annulled after the question papers circulated on social media prior to the examination.
The latest suspect has been identified as Prasant Kumar Khamari (56), residing within the Jenakhalpada area of Bhawanipatna police limits in Kalahandi district.
Khamari, who is employed at a government institution in Bhejipadar, Bhawanipatna, along with other implicated individuals including Bijay Kumar Mishra, Ex-Cadre Working President of the State Ex-Cadre Teacher Association, and Sanatan Bisoi, President of the Ex-Cadre Teachers Association of Koraput District, procured the exam papers via Jitan Moharana, a data entry operator stationed at the BSE head office in Cuttack. Khamari then reproduced the question papers in his own handwriting to disguise the actual leaked content.
Additionally, he lured desperate teachers who had previously failed the Special OTET examination, selling them the papers for quick profit.
An investigation into the financial dealings of the accused revealed that Khamari transferred Rs 99,000 via PhonePe to the principal accused, Bijay Kumar Mishra, for the purpose of collecting cash from the unsuspecting teachers.
The accounts of those alleged to be involved are currently under scrutiny.
Previously, the Crime Branch had arrested six other suspects associated with this case just days earlier. Khamari was taken into custody by the Crime Branch team on Thursday and subsequently presented to the court in Cuttack on Friday.
Sources from the Crime Branch also disclosed that the mobile device of the accused has been confiscated, and handwriting samples have been collected in the presence of witnesses. These samples will be forwarded to the Handwriting Bureau and Cyber Forensics for detailed examination and analysis.
Point of View
The ongoing investigation by the Odisha Crime Branch into the OTET-2025 question paper leak underscores the urgent need for integrity and transparency in educational assessments. As the number of arrests mounts, it is essential for authorities to ensure that such incidents are addressed with the utmost seriousness to restore public trust.
NationPress
20/08/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the OTET-2025?
The OTET-2025 is the Special Odisha Teacher Eligibility Test, a crucial examination for aspiring teachers in Odisha.
Why was the OTET-2025 examination canceled?
The examination was canceled due to the leakage of question papers that were circulated on social media before the test.
How many arrests have been made in the case?
As of now, a total of seven individuals have been arrested in connection with the question paper leak.
What role did Prasant Kumar Khamari play in the scandal?
Prasant Kumar Khamari, a teacher, is accused of reproducing the leaked question papers and selling them to desperate teachers.
What actions are being taken against the accused?
The Crime Branch is investigating the financial transactions of the accused and has seized their mobile devices for further analysis.
