The Crime Branch of Odisha Police has registered a case and constituted multiple special investigation teams to probe alleged irregularities in the preparation, approval, processing, and publication of school textbooks for Classes I to VIII across the state.
The case (CID CB PS Case No. 08 of 2026) was registered today on the written complaint of Madhusmita Sahoo, IAS, Director of Teacher Education and SCERT. The investigation is being supervised by the SP, CID Crime Branch, with DSP Narendra Kumar Behera leading the probe as the chief investigating officer.
According to CID CB, the teams will conduct a detailed examination of the entire textbook ecosystem — right from content selection and preparation to approval, printing, publication, and distribution. Officials said the probe will involve thorough scrutiny of all relevant documents, records, and evidence, along with questioning of persons connected with the process.
The registration of the case under sections 316(5), 201, 3(5), and 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, signals the seriousness with which the police are treating the matter. The Crime Branch has assured that the investigation will be conducted in a fair, impartial, and professional manner, with further legal action to follow based on evidence.
Educationists and parents have long expressed concerns over the quality and timely availability of textbooks in government schools. With special teams already deployed, the investigation is expected to move swiftly.
