Teacher Recruitment Test Scandal Unfolds in Odisha

Six arrests have been made across Odisha in connection with the paper leak of a teacher recruitment test, authorities reported on Wednesday. The scandal revolves around the Odisha Teacher Eligibility Test (OTET)-2025, which was set for July 20, but was compromised when a handwritten paper leaked online.

The leaked paper matched the official set prepared by the Board of Secondary Education (BSE), prompting immediate postponement of the examination. The board called upon the Crime Branch for a thorough investigation. DGP (CID-Crime Branch) Vinaytosh Mishra confirmed that Jitan Moharana, a data entry operator at BSE, spearheaded the leak, framing a broader network.

Moharana allegedly shared the paper with others, who then compensated him financially. This illicit operation involved members of the Ex-Cadre Teachers' Association and resulted in multiple arrests. Concurrently, the Odisha Sub-ordinate Staff Selection Commission cancelled another examination due to allegations of irregularities.

(With inputs from agencies.)